Omeo District League: Omeo-Benambra win elimination final
A country footy club in the state’s east is using the heartbreak of the past two years in their quest for a premiership. Here’s how they kept the dream alive.
Omeo-Benambra has been required to show the patience only few clubs in Victoria can lay claim to.
That’s because in the last 24 months, they’ve been looking to atone for a 2019 grand final loss.
A delay longer than usual because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
But on Saturday, the Ranges finally got the opportunity they had been waiting for in the Omeo District league elimination beating Bruthen by 76 points.
It meant they finally got that sweet revenge from two years ago and also ending the Dogs’ hopes of a fourth straight premiership.
Playing coach Ash Watt said he couldn’t have been prouder of the resilience his group had shown.
“It’s good to send them packing,” he joked.
“Bruthen are a terrific football side who we have tremendous respect for and I couldn’t be prouder of the way our group handled the situation.
“The most important thing is our premiership dream is still alive.”
Brandon Betts led the way for Omeo-Benambra who finished the season third on the ladder with three goals in a best on ground display.
While Ross Ansaldi underlined his status as a key player inside 50 with five majors.
Mason Tait also kicked three of his own.
“It was a real even spread across the scoreboard which was pleasing,” Watt said.
“I thought we played a really even game across the board and were able to make the most of our opportunities when we did go forward.”
While the forwards feasted on their opportunities, the Ranges’ back six held up its end of the bargain holding Bruthen to one goal in the first half giving their side a 60-point lead at the main break.
“Beau Haslam and Campbell Ahsam were two guys who stood up when it was their turn to go,” Watt said.
“Aiden Hayward was a bit of an unsung hero for the job he did as well. I don’t think I could have picked out a bad player.”
Omeo-Benambra will now have to wait a week for their preliminary final where they’ll play the loser of the clash between Lindenow South and Swifts Creek.
Watt said he knew he and his players would face a tough challenge against either team.
“We match up differently against both sides so it will be interesting to see how their game plays out,” he said.
“Potentially playing against Lindenow South on their own ground in a preliminary final could make it a much bigger test.”
The second semi-final between Lindenow South and Swifts Creek will be played at Buchan on Saturday.
The winner will go straight through to the grand final.
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Originally published as Omeo District League: Omeo-Benambra win elimination final
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