Leader News |
EMERALD gave its finals bid a mighty boost when it captured a major Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League Division 1 scalp.
The third-placed Bombers have put an emphasis on winning their home games and delivered in spades with a thrilling one-point win over ladder-leader Gembrook Cockatoo, 9.9 (63) to 8.14 (62).
A delighted president Paul Reilly said the hard-fought victory sent a buzz through the Bombers camp.
"We were all a pretty excited bunch when that siren went, there were lots of smiling faces," he said.
"There were a few people saying it was better than when we won the Division 2 grand final last year."
"I wouldn't say that, but we have a good rivalry with Gembrook and it's always a big win if you beat the top side."
At times, the Brookers threatened to draw away, but the Bombers hung tough in a low-scoring affair.
"The ground was heavy and it was a hard slog. For that reason it wasn't a high-scoring game because of conditions," Reilly said.
"Gembrook had our measure most of the day; every time we'd get close they'd kick an easy goal."
"We were always behind by about seven points, but the boys were pretty confident going into the last quarter and the boys hung in there."
Emerald blooded another rising talent in under-18 captain Casey Thomsen who impressed on debut.
Ryan Simpson shone in a best-on-ground performance.
Reilly said the Bombers had turned their attention to a crucial clash with Olinda Ferny Creek this weekend.
"They'll want to beat us at their home ground, they were pretty dirty when we beat them earlier in the season," Reilly said.
MEANWHILE, Jarrod Bayliss booted seven goals as Wandin thumped Healesville, 23.12 (150) to 13.10 (88).
Warburton Millgrove edged out a wayward-kicking Mount Evelyn, 9.12 (66) to 6.18 (54).
Upwey Tecoma upset Olinda Ferny Creek to post a critical 22-point win.
Reigning premiership coach Wade Porter kicked four goals in the 12.9 (81) to 8.11 (59) victory.
And, Woori Yallock was a 20-point winner over Monbulk, 11.14 (80) to 8.12 (60).
