Sport
27 May, 2026
Bombers wear the bottle green
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 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.
Cobden was represented by Gus Walsh and Archie Taylor in the win.
For 19 year-old Walsh, it was his second time wearing the Hampden green.
“It was very good to get the win, I played last year and we lost by 84 points,” Walsh said.
The chance to play representative football was something the young Bomber defender really enjoyed.
“It’s great, I loved it.
“I reckon it’s a great opportunity to be able to play in a team like that, especially still being 19, to be selected in that is really fantastic.”
Walsh noted the difference in the game from regular Hampden league senior football.
“Saturday was a lot faster, and the skills were probably a fair bit better.
“Every kick was spot on, and if you kicked to someone the marking was really strong.”
Playing under coach Nathan Vardy, a former Geelong and West Coast AFL footballer, was also a highlight for Walsh.
“Nathan was really good, he spoke really well before the game and got us all pumped up and I think his drive played a big part in how we won.
“Everything he said just made sense.”
Playing with regular opponents was also something Walsh enjoyed.
“That’s probably the best bit about it, you go out there with 20 odd blokes you’ve never really met before, and you train with them twice, get to know them a little bit, and then after the game, we all went upstairs and just had a chat and had a beer together, it was a good opportunity to meet new people.
“There’s a lot more people watching these games, once you get picked, it’s a good opportunity to show yourself.”
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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.
Walsh played his role well in defence.
“I played full back all day, and just kind of played on their biggest forwards for most of the day.”
Taylor had his share of the ball, gathering 21 disposals, with 10 kicks and 11 handballs.
The under 23 senior netball match resulted in a 43-43 draw.
The match was the first between the leagues at this level.
Cobden representatives in the team were Matilda Darcy, Grace Taylor and Jess Bouchier.
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.
Lenny Walsh was Cobden’s sole representative in the team.
Warrnambool’s Charlie Mahony-Gilchrist, Terang Mortlake’s Sam Wareham and Portland’s Kobie Morris were Hampden’s best.
Read More: Cobden