Bottle Greens celebrate victory

THE Hampden League under 23 representative football team has turned around a poor recent record against the Ballarat Football League team with a nine-point win in Saturday’s game.

The Bottle Greens (coached by former Geelong and West Coast AFL footballer, Nathan Vardy) led at every change to record an 11.7.73 to 8.16.64 win at the Reid Oval.

Down by 25 points at three-quarter time, Ballarat kicked four unanswered last quarter goals to challenge, before a snapped goal from Terang Mortlake’s Ryley Hutchins locked in the win for the Hampden team.

Hutchins was awarded the best on ground medal by the umpires for his performance, including 21 disposals and his match sealing goal.

Koroit midfielder Kade Lovell led the possession getters with 33, with his Koroit teammate Mac Peterson gathering 30.

Hamilton spearhead Hamish Cook and Warrnambool’s Reggie Mast kicked three goals each in the win.

The under 23 senior netball match resulted in a 43-43 draw.

The match was the first between the leagues at this level.

Koroit’s Layla Monk was captain of the team and won the best on court medal for her game in defence.

In the under 18 girls’ football, Hampden defeated Ballarat by one point, 4.1.25 to 3.6.24.

A late goal to Warrnambool’s Dekotah Ellis put Hampden in front right at the end of the game.

Hamilton’s Taya Sherlock, South Warrnambool’s Shelby Mahony and Koroit’s Esther Gleeson were best for Hampden, with Koroit’s Chloe Gleeson kicking two goals.

The under 17 football match saw Ballarat score a 9.9.63 to 4.7.31 win.

Warrnambool’s Charlie Mahony-Gilchrist, Terang Mortlake’s Sam Wareham and Portland’s Kobie Morris were Hampden’s best.