Sport
24 May, 2022
Casey praises endeavour despite loss
COBDEN Bombers coach Dan Casey praised his side’s efforts despite losing their fourth match of the season by 53 points to Warrnambool at home on Saturday.
COBDEN Bombers coach Dan Casey praised his side’s efforts despite losing their fourth match of the season by 53 points to Warrnambool at home on Saturday.
“I was a bit disappointed after the game, but reflecting after, every week I walk away from that group and there’s nothing negative to say,” Casey said.
“Of course there might be a few things we have to work on, but you can never question their effort and endeavour.
“It’s an amazing group to coach and I’m pretty lucky to have that job.”
Cobden, who were missing key players Josh Worboys and Tom Spokes, struggled to match the Blues in size and strength, falling behind by four goals to one in the first quarter.
The Bombers kept pace in the second, going into half-time down 3.5 (23) to 6.5 (41), but an eight-goal blitz from Warrnambool in the third quarter put the game effectively out of reach for the home side.
A spirited final term saw Cobden kick five goals of their own, but Warrnambool remained steadfast to win 18.12 (120) to the Bombers 10.7 (67).
Jack Hutt and Matthew Kemp kicked three goals each, while Paul Pekin celebrated his 100th senior game for the club by being named in the best.
Sam Thow was Cobden’s best on ground, playing out of position on the half-back flank to provide plenty of drive out of defence in what Casey called “the best game he’s played for the club all year”.
This week the Bombers travel to Hamilton, and Casey said he expects a “cracking game”.
“They’re a big tall side, but they’re pretty young as well,” he said.
“It’s a tough trip for us to go to Hamilton, but if we play to our standard we’re always in with a shot.”
Cobden will be bolstered by returning players, with all of the senior squad available for selection.
“We’ve got three players to bring back in, so it’s going to be the hardest week we’ve had on the selection table,” Casey said.
“We haven’t got any excuses, we put in 100 percent effort every week and if we win, we win, if we don’t, we don’t.
“So far we’re exceeding expectations; we weren’t expected to win a game this year, and we’ve won two and competed well against all the top sides.”
In other Hampden League games, Koroit defeated Camperdown by 129 points, Portland won away to Port Fairy, South Warrnambool beat Hamilton, and Terang Mortlake lost at home to North Warrnambool 17-166.
