BREAKING: Bridgewater has clinched its place in the grand final after a stunning comeback against Marong, overcoming a 16-point deficit in a nail-biting finish on September 2, 2023. The Mean Machine triumphed with a score of 14.8 (92) to 12.12 (84) in the second semi-final at Serpentine, marking one of the most dramatic victories in the club’s history.
Bridgewater coach Lachlan Sharp hailed the match as “epic,” highlighting the resilience of his team as they launched an impressive second-half surge, scoring eight goals to Marong’s four. The victory sets Bridgewater on a path to pursue its first championship title since 2016.
This match was fraught with tension, remaining tightly contested until the final siren. Bridgewater led by just two points when the game concluded, but Nic Naughton sealed the win with a goal after the siren, extending the lead to eight points. Sharp expressed pride in his team’s performance, stating, “If you paid $12 to watch that you’d walk away happy.”
The finale was a showcase of relentless effort, with both teams battling fiercely in the last minutes. “It was just back and forth… for our group to dig in and our young players to really stand up in high-pressure moments was unreal,” Sharp added.
On the other side, Marong co-coach Kain Robins lamented missed opportunities, noting, “We just needed to kick a goal in that last quarter… it was one of those games that could have gone either way.” Despite their defeat, Robins commended his players for their efforts, stating they fought hard and were competitive throughout the match.
Bridgewater’s victory is particularly remarkable considering their previous encounter with Marong last year, where they faced an 85-point loss in the preliminary final. “It’s a fair turnaround… we’re just one big family that cares for each other,” Sharp reflected on the team’s growth over the past year.
The Mean Machine’s win extends their unbeaten streak to 13 matches, a testament to their improvement and unity. However, the team will face a setback in the grand final, as suspended player Jack Symons will be unavailable due to disciplinary reasons. Despite this, Sharp confirmed that Symons remains focused on supporting his teammates as they aim for the championship.
Meanwhile, Marong’s reserves team has advanced to the grand final, defeating Bridgewater 7.15 (57) to 2.3 (15), offering a glimmer of hope amid their senior team’s loss. Additionally, Maiden Gully YCW’s under-18s have qualified for their grand final after a victory over Marong.
Looking ahead, the finals series continues with Pyramid Hill set to face Inglewood in the first semi-final tomorrow, creating more opportunities for teams to vie for glory. The upcoming game promises to be another exciting chapter in this year’s Loddon Valley league finals.
Stay tuned as the excitement builds, and mark your calendars for the grand final on September 6, 2023, where Bridgewater will seek to reclaim its glory in the league.
