Lockington-Bamawm United’s reserves completed a hat-trick of Heathcote District Football League lower grade premierships for the Cats on Saturday. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
In what was another surprise result in the Heathcote District Football League lower grade grand finals on Saturday, Lockington-Bamawm United claimed the reserves premiership by beating a North Bendigo side that was undefeated all year.
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The Cats only started to create separation between themselves and the Bulldogs in the second quarter at Strauch Reserve, though had signalled warning signs in the first.
Forward Bart Phillips caused problems for the North Bendigo defence from the off, and was the only goal-kicker for LBU in the opening term as it a 17-8 lead into quarter-time.
The Cats would then begin to exert total control of the contest in the second term, forcing the Bulldogs into turnovers with their forward pressure, and punishing them with goals.
Luke Saligari goaled first in the second quarter with a good finish that was helped by a strong breeze, before Phillips kicked his third, benefiting from a huge tackle by captain Paul van der Sluys that earned a holding the ball call.
Another factor in the Cats turning the game in their favour was the work of Henry Peris and Jordan Cooper around stoppages, with the duo’s speed of movement and thought being too good for North Bendigo on the day.
Lockington was up 5.6 (36) to 2.3 (15) at half-time, and although the Bulldogs goaled first in the second half as the third quarter began as an arm wrestle, the Cats again turned the momentum in their favour.
Their defensive efforts saw North Bendigo’s ball movement restricted, and laid the foundations for the forwards to flourish.
Phillips converted after taking a strong contested mark from a high kick into the pocket and then Matthew Cartwright executed a set-shot after winning a free-kick.
Lockington had suddenly built a five-goal lead, which was momentarily down to four before Phillips continued his dominance with a fifth before three-quarter time.
The Cats entered the final quarter with a 30-point lead, and that increased to as much as 39 when Jack Jansen goaled after a clean pickup and dribble finish in the pocket on a tight angle.
Though LBU was effectively home, a North Bendigo side that was unbeaten all year was never going to lie down, and it took advantage of a drop off in intensity from the Cats down the stretch.
The Bulldogs booted four straight majors to close the match, as the Cats began to fail to stick the occasional tackle.
At one stage LBU’s lead was cutback all the way to just 14 after Adal Zuk goaled for North Bendigo, and the Bulldogs started to push more numbers forward and increase risk in their ball use in a bid to pull off a miraculous late comeback.
Under the cosh right until the end, the Cats made key tackles and took a few key contested marks down the stretch to take time off the clock and ultimately secure a well-fought 9.15 (69) to 8.6 (54) victory.
Cooper was named best on ground after his stellar performance, which was met with a roar of affection from the gathering Lockington faithful.
Clearly a fan favourite, the midfield maverick showed off with two back-flips upon hearing his name called, with the flag and medal also occurring on his birthday.
Midfielder Jordan Cooper won best on ground for the Cats on his birthday.
