Coming off losses in their last two games and with co captain Aiden Robinson, proven goalkicker Anthony Depasquale and fly-in star Rhys Clark not playing and gun defender Brad Whitford finished before half-time this was Kyabram’s game to lose against Benalla at Benalla on Saturday.
And for three grimly fought quarters in grim weather conditions nothing separated the two sides.
But when the game was there to be won in the last term it was Kyabram that stood tall.
Benalla’s non playing coach Nick Pearson went to the trouble of reminding his players Kyabram had faded in the previous week’s clashes against Shepparton United and Mooroopna, and it was his team’s big chance to cause an upset.
Given there was a 40 year-old (Jason Morgan) a 39-year-old (Ash Quinn) and a 37-year-old (Sam Sheldon) in the Kyabram side, and an energy sapping contest for three quarters, it would be reasonable to presume Kyabram would be found wanting in that final stanza.
But last quarter goals from Coby McCarthy, Mack Ayton and Charlie Barnett ignited Kyabram to a well deserved 17 point win.
In fact, Benalla failed to score a goal in the last term so hell-bent the Bombers were on winning the game.
Kyabram’s onball brigade set up the win, its defence saved it and key forward Charlie Barnett, under-18 player Charlie Isaac and Coby McCarthy put on the winning touches in front of goal.
Zac Norris rucked manfully all day against taller opponents and Kaine Herbert, Jack Russell and Riley Ironside dominated the clearances from the stoppages.
Down back, Jason Morgan took over after a slow start by his standards and was unbeatable in the second half with a gem of a last quarter.
He received great support from co defenders Jake Parkinson, Aaron Hayes and Cooper Vick who stepped up when gun defender Brad Whitford left the ground in the second term with a hamstring twinge.
Up forward Charlie Barnett proved a reliable aerial target and one of the few players able to match his Benalla opponent in the air.
With Depasquale missing, he really made his mark.
Young gun Charlie Isaac also showed again he is an exciting prospect by kicking the first two goals for his side and finishing with three. He also spent time on the ball.
Recruit Mack Ayton has been slowly working into form, and after missing the previous week, played his best game for the club, which included a fierce tackle and a resultant goal when the game was up for grabs in that tense last quarter.
Co coach of the Bombers Corey Carver was proud of his team’s endeavour.
He said ever player pulled his weight with Tom Burnett, Ben Railton and Aaron Hayes playing their best games for the season.
Kyabram will again be without co skipper Aiden Robinson for this Saturday’s trip to Seymour with concussion, but Rhys Clark will play.
Anthony Depasquale is also not likely to be back after kicking four goals for Werribee last Saturday and being named its second best player against Brisbane Lions in the VFL.
My best for Kyabram were Zac Norris, Kaine Herbert, Jason Morgan, Charlie Barnett, Jack Russell, Riley Ironside and Jake Parkinson.
Reserves
Kyabram reserves went on their winning way with another hefty win.
The Bombers outplayed and outscored Benalla in every quarter to register a 71 points win.
Onballers and midfielders in ruckman Brenton Brasier, Mitch Gugliotti, Danny Miller, Sean Dillon and Cooper and Hunter Fawcett provided the chances for Kyabram forwards to kick a big score.
Up forward Will Wild was a reliable target, although he missed shots on goal.
Zak Parkinson was the pick of the defenders.
Thirds
Kyabram thirds dug deep to hold out an improved Benalla side.
The young Bombers got home by only a goal and had to work very hard for the win.
Jedd Turpin was the standout for the Bombers up forward and midfield, and kicked four telling goals in the closely fought contest.
Returning big man Hamish Stewart showed he is a valuable late inclusion in the side and did well in the ruck, while the consistent Antonio Depasquale was busy in the midfield all game.
Mitch Wilson and Oscar Carver were given nullifying roles in defence and midfield respectively and also played prominent roles in the win.
Coach Mark Patten said it was a hard fought and tight game and he was proud of his players’ determination.
He said injuries at the moment were a big concern and getting a full and fit side on the park at present was a real challenge.
The win keeps the side in equal third place with Mooroopna so will need to keep winning to hold that spot for the finals.
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