Sport
13 September, 2023
Prelim for Bloods
TERANG Mortlake’s senior footballers have won their way through to this weekend’s Hampden League preliminary final.
TERANG Mortlake’s senior footballers have won their way through to this weekend’s Hampden League preliminary final.
The Bloods will face the North Warrnambool Eagles at Reid Oval on Saturday following their 22-point win over Cobden in last Sunday’s semi-final.
In a thriller at Port Fairy’s Gardens Oval, the Bloods worked their way back from a one-point deficit at the main break todefeat the Bombers 14.8.92 to 10.10.70
Bloods coach Ben Kenna praised all 22 players for their contribution, saying each had played their role in the win.
“It was certainly an intense, skilful game of footy that kept everyone on their toes,” Kenna said.
“We had a good first quarter and then Cobden came out in the second and finished a point up.
“Our third quarter was really good and we probably had more of the play in our end and we were able to kick four goals to one which gave us a bit of a buffer going into the last (quarter).”
Kenna was pleased to see the Bloods “hold steady” in the final term, taking advantage of the ball in their forward line and apply pressure all over the ground.
“I don’t think we’ve made finals for about eight years and the last time we made a prelim final was in 2015 – and haven’t been in a grand final since 2008 I believe,” Kenna said.
“We’re just taking one game at a time. The last time we met North was in the first final where they beat us by a point so we’re keen to turn the tables.”
Kenna also paid tribute to the club’s three netball sides who remain in finals contention.
“It’s great to have four sides in this weekend’s preliminary finals, it’s a great achievement and one we’re very proud of as a club,” he said.
“The club is in a strong position at the moment which is a positive thing for both the Terang and Mortlake communities.”
Will Kain continued his fine form for the Bloods last weekend, kicking five majors, while Luke McConnell contributed three and Rhys Buck, Scott Carlin, Kane Johnstone, Hugh Porter, Ryan Tanner and Lachlan Wareham kicked one apiece.
Among the best for the Bloods were Joe Arundell, Luke McConnell, Gus Bourke, Will Kain, Isaac Kenna and Kane Johnstone.
The finals campaign came to an end for Terang Mortlake’s reserves, defeated by Warrnambool 7.4.46 to 9.11.65.
Best for the Bloods were Wade Rosas, Zac Newson, Declan O’Connor, Jordan Harris, Matthew Baxter and Jake Lee.
Terang Mortlake had mixed results on the netball courts last weekend, winning one of three games played.
Division three – Terang Mortlake defeated Koroit 41-23. Best for the Bloods: Debbie Worland, Holly Fowler and Meagan Carlin.
17 and under – Terang Mortlake lost to Koroit 24-45. Best for the Bloods: Alice Kain, Ava Grundy and Millie Scanlon.
15 and under – Terang Mortlake lost to South Warrnambool 23-28. Best players: Lara Clarke, Pippa Barr and Charli Dillon.
This Saturday’s preliminary final matches will see the Bloods’ 15 and under side face North Warrnambool at 9am, the 17 and unders will play Warrnambool at 10am and division three (also at 10am) will face Port Fairy.
