One-point perfection

Kyabram Bombers went into Saturday’s game with Mansfield Eagles as strong favourites, having won 15 straight. But when this Mansfield side turns up, they look like they can beat anyone. And on Saturday, they beat the unbeaten — and at times close to unbeatable — in a match that leaves the league scrambling for answers. Does this result hurt ladder leaders Kyabram or is it just a small speed bump on their way to greatness? And are Mansfield, now enjoying a nine-game unbeaten streak of their own, building the kind of form and momentum that can carry a team deep into the finals? From the moment the Eagles were led out by local legend Brett Mahoney, who ran through the banner to celebrate his 200th game in yellow and blue, everything until very late in the game went Mansfield’s way. Kyabram have been scintillating in front of the sticks this year, and in the last month they have outscored their opponents by a stunning average of 116 points. If Mansfield were to get close to a result, they knew they had to keep things tight from the off and stifle their free-scoring opponents before they could build a head of steam. The two teams were neck and neck in the first term. After Nick Gray opened proceedings with the first goal of the match, the Eagles and the Bombers went goal for goal, with Matthew King getting his name on the scoreboard before quarter time came with the Bombers leading by just one point. Keeping up with a usually fast-starting Kyabram was a big enough blow to bloody their nose and weaken their legs. When Mansfield scored five of the first six in the second term (Ben Christopher 3, Cody George and Jack Hutchins), Kyabram, for the very first time this season, looked like they were struggling. Billy Hogan added another before a Kyabram response saw them drag themselves back to a 14-point deficit at half time. Three third-quarter goals from Will Foster, along with a further two from Hogan and one from Mitchell Lewis, saw the unbeaten Kyabram trailing by 20 (89-69) at the third change. In true testament to the season they are having to date, Kyabram turned it on and made a very real assault on the Eagles’ nest. Wave after wave of attacks kept coming in that fourth term, goal after goal, until the final siren sounded with Kyabram having scored the last four and trailing by just one point. Mansfield Eagles player/coach Jack Hutchins could not have been more pleased to see his team step up and beat the favourites for the league overall. "It was an amazing game, a true fairytale finish to celebrate club great Brett Mahoney’s 200th game," he said. "The first half was a real arm wrestle, a real physical contested game from both sides, which we managed to get on top with a lead at half time. "We held that lead for the third and most of the fourth; however, Kyabram showed why they’re the top team and bounced back late with some quick goals in succession. "We managed to hold on for a memorable finish, which puts us in great stead coming into the later part of the year. "Dirk Koenen was a rock down back along with Matt King. "Nick Gray and Callum Brown were relentless in the middle, whilst Benny Christopher and Billy Hogan were our keys forward. "Belief is strong within the group, and we’re looking forward to continuing our momentum coming into the last couple of H&A games for the year." Dirk Koenen, Nick Gray, William Hogan, Jayden Howes and William Christopher were among the best on ground, while Ben Christopher (4), Hogan (4) and Will Foster (3) did the damage on the scoreboard. Mansfield Reserves were not able to match the surprise win their senior counterparts enjoyed; they lost 50-90 to Kyabram Reserves.

One-point perfection

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