Sport
28 August, 2025
Must-win game awaits Bloods
TERANG Mortlake’s senior footballers fought hard but fell 12 points short against top team North Warrnambool on Saturday.
The Bloods led by five points at half-time, before a four goal to three third quarter saw the Eagles take a 19-point lead into the final change.
North Warrnambool ended up winning 11.6.72 to 8.12.60 in the round 17 clash at the Bushfield Recreation Reserve.
“It was a tough contest, to North’s credit they are a very good team,” Terang Mortlake coach Lewy Taylor said.
“We’re not too disheartened, but at the same time we’ve got to start winning these type of games.”
Taylor was happy with how the Bloods played in an even first half, and noted the third quarter was more even than the scores would suggest.
“It was still very competitive in the third, we had our chances but didn’t make the most of our opportunities.”
Sam Crawley was best for the Bloods in the loss.
“Sam defended strongly and gave us good run out of the backline.
“When he plays well we play well.”
Captain Alex Moloney was also in the best for the Bloods alongside Xavier Vickers and Josh Slater.
“Alex has had a couple of strong weeks since he came back in, while Xavier is a real A grader in the competition now.
“Josh has put together five or six really strong weeks and is playing great footy.”
The equation is simple for Terang Mortlake heading into this week’s round 18 match against fourth-placed Warrnambool at Terang.
Win, and the fifth-placed Bloods make the finals without relying on any other result.
“It’s a game we just have got to win,” Taylor said.
“Warrnambool are a tough match up, we are not looking any further ahead than this week.”
In the reserves football, Terang Mortlake had an 8.6.54 to 5.5.35 win.
Henry Roberts, Chris Bant and Tom Arundell were best for Terang Mortlake, with Bant and Jack Kenna kicking two goals each.
The under 18 game saw North Warrnambool too strong, registering a 12.14.86 to 5.4.34 win.
Jack Richie, Max Heffernan and Jai Godwin were best for the Bloods, with Heffernan and Hamish Molan kicking two goals each.
In the under 16s on Sunday, Terang Mortlake’s season ended with a 7.9.51 to 6.5.41 loss to Warrnambool in the preliminary final at Cobden.
Tayte McMaster, Caleb Bamford and Sam Wareham were best for the junior Bloods, with Bamford, Hugh Kenna, Arlo Herry, Sam Membrey, Zavier Fowler and Kai Crawley kicking a goal each.
The Open netball saw North Warrnambool run out 42-41 winners.
Emma Lucas, Lila Bennett and Jacqui Arndell were best for Terang Mortlake, with Eboni Knights scoring a match high 30 goals and Jacqui Arundell 11.
In the division one netball, Terang Mortlake recorded a 37-30 win.
Sarah Davis, Claudia Lee and Pippa Barr were best for the Bloods, with Lyla Grundy scoring 21 goals and Bailee Overweter 11.
North Warrnambool got the points in division two with a 44-29 win.
Tess McKenzie scored 17 goals and Holly Fowler 12 for the Bloods, with Kaitlyn Arnott, Tori Kitschke and Lucy Finnerty best.
North Warrnambool scored a 27-25 win in the division three game.
Sophie Conheady, Lydia Harris and Zoe Ritchie were best for the Bloods, with Conheady scoring 12 goals.
Terang Mortlake registered a 39-36 win in the 17 and under game.
Tayla Bell, Pippa Barr and Lyla Grundy were best for the Bloods, with Lyla Grundy putting through 28 goals and Charli Dillon 11.
North Warrnambool had a 17-16 win in the 17 and under reserves football.
Emma Hill, Reagan Mifsud and Maddison Wallace were best for the Bloods, with Isla Primrose shooting 15 goals.
In the 15 and under netball, Terang Mortlake scored a strong 35-14 victory.
Hope Kenna, Madelyn Clarke and Sadie Baker were best for Terang Mortlake, with Clarke scoring a match high 20 goals and Baker 15.
In the 15 and under reserves, Terang Mortlake scored a 23-18 win.
Mikala Madzarevic, Kara Bell and Lucia Clarke were best for the Bloods, with Chloe Bouchier top scoring with 17 goals.
North Warrnambool had a 44-14 win in the 13 and under netball.
Tilly Harrison, Daisy Dillon and Imogen Barr were best for Terang Mortlake, with Barr scoring nine goals and Poppy Moloney five.
The 13 and under reserves game saw North Warrnambool win 20-13.
Shania Madzarevic, Taleah Dower and Mary Heffernan were best for Terang Mortlake, with Isabella Robertson scoring seven goals.
