A CAMEO appearance from former AFL star Harley Bennell has broken Bomber hearts to continue Dederang-Mount Beauty’s winless streak in the Tallangatta and District Football League.
Bennell’s six-goal haul was the catalyst for Wahgunyah’s senior side securing the four points for the first time in 40 matches and almost three years, with their most recent win coming way back in June 2021.
The Bombers were not without their own chances to register an early-season victory away from home, with inaccurate goalkicking costing them dearly in their 15.8 (98) to 12.17 (89) defeat.
Dederang-Mount Beauty held single-figure leads at quarter-time (four points), half-time (eight points) and three quarter-time (one point), but were overrun by a spirited Wahgunyah outfit who were full of hope and managed to kick five goals to three in the last term to clinch a thrilling win.
Pre-season inclusions Matt Paddle and William Webb found plenty of football between the arcs, while Cameron Benkovic starred up forward with six goals.
Michael Collins and Cameron Jones also chipped in with two goals each in what was a high-scoring contest with plenty of scoring opportunities for both sides.
Meanwhile, Dederang-Mount Beauty’s A grade netball side has made it two wins on the bounce to consolidate their position in the coveted top five in Tallangatta league netball.
The Bombers dominated from the opening minutes against the Wahgunyah Lions and never looked back in a comprehensive 38-goal victory (65-27).
A handy nine-point buffer was reached after the first period of play and then DMB stepped up their offence and defence to another level to put the match beyond doubt at half-time with a huge lead in their favour.
Alysha de Koeyer (33 goals) and Paige Tuohey (26 goals) were a big presence in the attacking third.
In other senior results across the day, B and C grade netball had pleasing wins, while in reserves footy, DMB were defeated by 57 points.
The Bombers return to Mount Beauty this weekend and will come up against Beechworth this Saturday afternoon.
