General News
5 September, 2023
Bombers eliminate reigning premiers
COBDEN’S senior footballers have knocked reigning premiers Koroit out of the finals race.
COBDEN’S senior footballers have knocked reigning premiers Koroit out of the finals race.
In an absolute thriller at Portland last Sunday, the Bombers defeated the Saints by 28 points in the elimination final – ending the Saints hopes for an eighth consecutive Hampden League flag.
The Hanlon Park crowd was kept on its toes during a nail-biting second half which saw the Saints come back from a 38-point deficit at half-time to get within three points at the end of the third term.
“To the Saints’ credit, they kicked five quick goals in the third quarter and made a huge comeback,” Bombers coach Dan Casey said.
“It was a three-point game heading into the final term but our boys played really well and were able to fight them off in the last.
“It was an absolute cracking day, weather wise and for the club. There was a massive crowd there and it was great to get into the rooms after the game and to see so many Cobden supporters.”
Casey praised not only his team but also the many supporters who travelled “all that way (to Portland)” to cheer on their teams.
“The crowd was just huge; it was full of supporters from Cobden, Terang and Koroit who were there to cheer on their teams and that was impressive. That’s what finals is all about.”
Entering their first finals in seven years, and to overcome the long-time reigning premiers was something that Casey takes great pride in.
“The boys have had an amazing season. We’re absolutely stoked to have gotten over the Saints but we move on pretty quickly; we were into recovery mode Sunday and now we’re looking forward to the next challenge.”
The Bombers will now face one of the season’s biggest improvers, Terang Mortlake in this Sunday’s semi-final at Gardens Oval.
The two clubs met twice in the home and away season, with a win to each.
“The Bloods will be as hungry as us to get the win on the weekend so it will be another close, tough battle and spectators can expect some good footy.
“These games (finals) are the hardest to win so we just take it one week at a time.”
Final scores last Sunday were Cobden 13.7.85 to Koroit 7.15.57.
Paul Pekin kicked four goals for the Bombers, supported by Ben Berry, Michael Koroneos and Thomas Spokes with two each, and goals from Henry Robertson and Grady Rooke.
Best for the side were Patrick Smith, Grady Rooke, Jack Hutt, Ryleigh McVilly and Mark Marriott.
Earlier in the day, Cobden’s reserves hung on for a six-point win over Warrnambool, 5.6.36 to 3.12.30.
Louis Cahill, Thomas Marshall, Jack McGlade, Jack Darcy, Louis Robertson and Tully Darcy were named best for the Bombers.
Martin Angus and Louis Cahill kicked two goals each, while Oliver Darcy contributed one.
They will now take on South Warrnambool in this Saturday’s qualifying final at Terang.
Cobden’s under 18.5 footballers also won their way to round two of the finals series with a win over Koroit in last Sunday’s elimination final – 6.4.40 to 3.5.23.
Bailey Vines, Benjamin McGlade, Tyler Humphrey, Noah Penry, Thomas Roberts and Darcy Hutchins were in the best for the Bombers.
Kurtis Baker and Noah Sinnott were among the goal kickers.
