Coburg picked up their fourth win of the season on Sunday, largely due to a stand out performance from Richmond listed Liam McBean who kicked 6 goals against North Ballarat in the 16 point victory at Mantello Holden Oval.
The game began in miserable conditions, with the surface so slippery it was hard for anyone to handle and the rain coming on and off as it did all day. This lead to a tense opening, with no score being registered by either side until North Ballarat broke the deadlock at roughly the 10 minute mark. It was a quarter full of stoppages and contested ball, as players acclimatised to the conditions, and the quarter ended 2 goals to 1 Coburg’s way, but with nothing in the match at all.
The second quarter saw the game open up a little, as some more smooth play was developed by both sides, ensuring an engrossing contest. McBean was the star of the show, showing unbelievable hands in marking contests as well as when the ball hit the deck. He looked a step above the other forwards on the ground in terms of dealing with the wet conditions, and this saw him kick 3 goals for the term, giving him 4 to half time. North Ballarat’s midfielders were working well at getting forward and putting on scoreboard pressure however, allowing them to maintain a 7 point lead at the main break.
North Ballarat threatened to run away with the game in the third quarter, as Coburg had a period of sloppy play, giving away a handful of 50m penalties – a couple of which resulted in easy goals. This allowed Ballarat to open up a handy lead about mid way through the term. Coburg continued to attack however and kicked a few quick goals through Aaron Edwards and Ben Clifton, before Liam McBean kicked his 5th right on the 3 quarter siren, reducing the deficit to just 5 points going in to the final change.
The final quarter was when the rain decided to stick around, it sent fans packing towards the stands or fumbling for their umbrella’s, but didn’t seem to bother the Coburg player’s in the slightest, as they put in their best 30 minutes of the day. They went on to kick 6 goals to Ballarat’s 3 for the term, and come out on top at the final siren by 16 points.
Robin Nahas was instrumental once again in the win grabbing 29 disposals, while coburg players Venditti and Uysal were also important in the battle through the middle. Liam McBean was the clear match winner with 6 goals however, in a performance which would have raised many eyebrows over at Richmond.
Coburg 15.11.101
Ballarat 13.7.85
GOALS: McBean 6, Edwards 3, Maric 2, Elton, Brandt, Clifton, McDonough 1.
BEST: Venditti, Derickx, Uysal, McBean, Nahas, Lonergan.
Coburg seniors play Bendigo this Saturday at Queen Elizabeth Oval at 2pm.
Development are on at 11am at Eureka Stadium on Sunday.
Last Modified on 06/08/2013 14:56
