Sport
20 September, 2023
Finals campaign ends
TERANG Mortlake’s finals campaign came to an end at the hands of North Warrnambool last weekend.
TERANG Mortlake’s finals campaign came to an end at the hands of North Warrnambool last weekend.
The Bloods’ successful 2023 season saw them enter Hampden League finals for the first time since 2015 and while the side was disappointed not to have clenched the win, coach Ben Kenna said heads could be held high on the season’s achievements.
“It’s obviously disappointing to have lost a preliminary final but in saying that the club really has made some great inroads this year and that’s something everyone can be proud of,” he said.
“Overall we’ve had a pretty good year and we need to reflect on that. To finish in the top five and to make a preliminary final is pretty special in itself.
“Some great development has taken place and the players will benefit from that moving forward. The majority of our senior side had never played senior finals before so they really did step up and perform well.”
Reflecting on last Saturday’s game, Kenna said his team was simply beaten by a stronger side on the day.
“North’s experience and strength really was the difference; they got away early, make good use of their scoring advantages with the wind and made the game happen their way,” he said.
“They got the momentum and held on to that all day and always had a bit of a buffer that we couldn’t break.”
The league’s leading goal kicker Will Kain contributed two for the Bloods for the day while Alex Moloney also played his role with two majors.
Kane Johnstone, Luke McConnell and Ben Reid each contributed a goal while Isaac Kenna, Joe Arundell, Kane Johnstone, Ryley Hutchins, Gus Bourke and Scott Carlin were named in the best.
The Bloods enjoyed success on the netball courts last Saturday, with the 17 and under and division three sides both winning their way through to respective grand finals.
In the division three match, the Bloods defeated Port Fairy 39-39 with Meagan Carlin, Holly Fowler and Debbie Worland named best on court.
They will now meet Hamilton in Saturday’s grand final from 9am.
The Bloods’ 17 and under side defeated Warrnambool 37-31 (best on court Alice Suhan, Ava Grundy and Alice Kain) and will play Koroit at 10am.
In the 15 and under preliminary final, the Bloods were defeated by North Warrnambool 23-25.
Best for the Bloods were Lyla Grundy, Pippa Barr and Charli Dillon.