News

BENDIGO overcame a sluggish start yesterday to outclass the Dolphins by 23 points at Frankston Oval. Boosted by some quality talls, including Kepler Bradley, Courtney Johns and Jason Laycock, the Bombers didn't gel as a team until midway through the second quarter.

Goalless and trailing by 23 points at the first break, the inaccurate Bombers allowed the Dolphins to extend the margin to 28 points before finally clicking into gear.

Bendigo suddenly switched from frustrating to fantastic. It kicked seven goals in a row to take the lead, and was good enough to maintain a three-goal buffer for practically the rest of the match. On the other hand, Frankston, which had looked dangerous early, struggled to match the Bombers for height and was let down by some average delivery into its forward 50.

Bendigo captain Simon Rosa did a fantastic job containing Frankston livewire Justin Berry. The Dolphin forward has been in superb touch but struggled to make an impact as Rosa wore him like a glove. Berry finished with three goals, but two of those came in the final quarter when the contest was all but over.

Johns and Bradley rotated between centre half-back and centre half-forward with mixed success.

While both imposed themselves at times with strong marking, they were both prone to skill errors and turnovers. Likewise, teammate Mark Bolton was brilliant in patches but also made mistakes.

Ricky Morris was superb in attack for the Dolphins, kicking three goals, but Frankston simply couldn't put a solid four quarters together.

Further worry for the club was the report of Marcus Marigliani for trying to trip Jason Cloke in the first quarter.

Cloke played another significant role in Bendigo's win, the ex-Magpie clearly relishing the freedom he is allowed on the wing.

Bombers coach Matthew Knights was pleased his team's improvement was finally rewarded with its second win this season.