The Cootamundra Blues have retained second place on the ladder after an exciting two-point win over the Ainslie Tricolours at Alan Ray Oval on Saturday.
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In a see-sawing match, the Blues were on top when it counted – at the final siren with the scoreboard reading 8-10-58 to 8-8-56.
The Tricolours led by two points at the first change and by four at half time.
The Blues dominated the third quarter, booting 4- 2 to 1-2 and went into the last change leading by 14.
The last quarter was a titanic struggle with the Tricolours missing a number of scoring opportunities.
With less than a minute left in the match and the Blues leading by a point, Blake Basham marked 40 metres out.
The talented youngster took his time and although missed the shot for goal, the time he took off the clock was enough for the Blues.
The Blues started the game with the bare 18 players.
Disaster struck five minutes into the match when 16-year-old Brandon Sanderson broke his collarbone and was taken to hospital.
Sanderson was replaced by 47-year-old committee member Jason Baldock.
The popular clubman booted the team’s second goal two minutes into the second quarter.
The Blues had winners around the ground and none played better than on-baller Jimmy Finucane.
The huge frame of Sandy Maskell Knight has been an added bonus for the Blues with the 2014 premiership player shared rucking duties with Sam Baldock. His strong marking up forward was a feature of his play and he finished with five goals in a dominant display.
Captain Phil Bird, the fittest of the Blues line-up, again racked up disposals.
The experienced Stephen Chant and Dylan McDermott played solid matches.
Sam Baldock played his best match of the season and finished well ahead of his opponents in the ruck.
This weekend game is in Cooma V Southern Cats.
