Vic Country claimed the AFL Victoria Community Cup courtesy of a resounding opening term against Vic Metro on Sunday.
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Vic Country used the wind to full effect at Mars Stadium, kicking 5.9 in the first term to take a 26-point advantage into the first break.
Vic Metro was left to play catch-up for the remainder of the match.
It pressed hard at times, particularly in the final quarter, where it had a number of chances to cut the margin to within 15 points, but it squandered those opportunities as Vic Country enjoyed a 12.17 (89) – 9.10 (64) victory.
It was Vic Country’s first win under coach Danny Frawley and the former St Kilda skipper praised his players after the match. His group had come from far and wide, but it played as a strong unit on Sunday in wet and windy conditions.
Sunbury’s Lachie Bramble was the only Ballarat Football League representative in the Vic Country line-up.
Bramble, who played off a wing, told The Courier after the match that it was an honour to pull on the big V – doing it for the first time in his career.
“It’s a great honour,” Bramble said.
“I’ll take a lot out of today’s game.”
Bramble said the first quarter set the tone for the day, but he was equally as pleased with how the side fought off a fast-finishing Metro.
“It was good from the boys, we got it going early, we had the wind in the first quarter so it really helped.
“I think we utilised it really well, but credit to the boys, we held-on against the wind as well.”
Bramble played five VFL games last season, but with the AFL Vic Development League in play made only one appearance with his home club Sunbury.
He has played two VFL matches this season, allowing him line-up with the Lions seven times.
Meanwhile in the earlier match, Vic Country’s under-19 side went down to a well-oiled Victorian Amateur Football Association, by 23 points.
Vic Country enjoyed a patch of control late in the second quarter and early in the third, but VAFA was able to regain the momentum and extend its margin to 41 points going into the final term.
Vic Country battled hard, but the damage was already done.
VAFA 9.13 (67) defeating Vic Country 5.14 (44).
Bacchus Marsh’s Nick Stuhldreier played in the match, the only Ballarat Football League player involved – Stuhldreier has played all nine of the Cobras senior matches this season.
