Kangas catch Cobras on the hop

By Todd Whelan

Bacchus Marsh’s two game winning streak came to an abrupt end at the weekend, going down to finals contender East Point by 43 points.

Despite a goalless second term the spritely Kangas assumed control with 11 goals to five after half time to consolidate their position in the top six, percentage shy of fifth placed Sunbury with five wins.

While a win for the Cobras was deemed unlikely in the lead up, they were well served by top end talent Luke Guertz, Jake McCreery and Tyson Shea. Youngster Bryce Kerney did his job forward of centre to finish with three goals.

Cobras co-captain Jack Parente continued with his solid season while speedster Ashton Craig maintained his recent run of good form. Newcomer Hunter Tudball also surprised a few onlookers to get the nod from the Cobras hierarchy to feature among the best.

Cobras coach Jason Williams would have been thrilled his boys first half, within striking distance, just five points in arrears.

However, it felt inevitable Kangas guns Bryce McDougall (three goals) and Brad Whittaker (four goals) were always going to have a lasting influence at some stage and didn’t let playing coach Jackson Merrett (one goal) down.

Star playmaker Jordy Johnston and busy small Joe Dodd were the driving force behind the Kangas shifting of the gears after half time that equated to some much deserved separation on the scoreboard at the final siren. While the four premiership points on the road were invaluable for the Kangas, life at Cobra land continues in the learning phase for an otherwise inexperienced group.

The Cobras meet Ballarat in Round 11 for their next outing post the interleague bye.

Jack Parente will fly the flag for the Cobras this Saturday after being named in the BFNL Under 23s squad to take on the Hampden League at Mars Stadium.

The coache’s verdict

Williams (B/Marsh) - “After half time we were expecting too much from too few. Credit to East Point they were pretty good inside the contest and equally as good on the outside.” Merrett (E/Point) - “After a disappointing first half, our resolve to come out with a couple of soldiers down was pleasing. We had the game on our terms after half time and go into the bye happy with how our young fellas are going.”

FINAL SCORE

Bacchus Marsh 8.7-55 lost East Point 14.14-98

B/Marsh (Best) - L. Guertz, J. McCreery, J. Parente, A. Craig, T. Shea, H. Tudball.

B/Marsh (Goals) - B. Kerney 3, A. Porter 1, C. Salmon, E. Davis, J. McCreery, J. Parente.

Ballan Brumbies Basketball

In the final round before the midseason break, championship hopefuls

Ballan Brumbies U14 Girls B, took to the court against a Celtic Tigers side looking to keep in touch with the top four.

Celtic were immediately on the back foot as late arriving players meant they had to start with four on the court, not getting a 5th (let alone a reserve) player until a few minutes after the jump ball.

Ballan took full advantage, opening the contest with a quick 8-0 run as Ruby Sims, Ruby McLeod and Indy Cassar got on the board before Emily Brown was able to break the run with Tigers first points from a strong drive to the basket.

Ballan's pronounced athletic advantages were apparent as, perhaps Brown and Ella Braybrook aside, Celtic were neither big nor swift enough to halt the Brumbies from doing just about whatever they wanted on the floor through the first half.

Albi Pike came off the bench to great effect picking off a pass and racing away for an easy layup. When the Brumbies, not by any means the greatest lineup of shooters, did miss their superior size saw them own the offensive glass.

A late run from Celtic saw them close the gap at half time to 18-9, though Ballan remained well in control.

The game degenerated in the 2nd half as Celtic, Brown especially, began to show their frustration. Playing somewhat of a lone hand, Brown tried to use her strength to bustle her way to the basket. Against most sides in the division that tactic would work but Ballan's size, combined with referee's that were allowing the game to flow meant that she was repeatedly stonewalled.

The physicality on show from both sides saw both Ballan and Celtic players come to the bench nursing bumps and bruises as frustrations threatened to boil over at times.