In the end it was the Bombers inaccuracy in front of goal that cost them dearly. The final score was Williamstown 9.11 (65) to Bendigo 7.18 (60). Bendigo had five more scoring shots during the course of the afternoon, the majority of the inaccuracy was prevalent in the first half when conditions were good.
It is the third time this season that Bendigo has been beaten by less than a kick. In Round 9 Bendigo went down to Frankston by five points and the following week it went down to Box Hill by one point. It is a trend that is sadly being set by Essendon and followed by Bendigo.
Despite the loss there were some encouraging signs with a number of players likely to push for senior selection next week. Ben Jolley was outstanding in the midfield and his hard running and attack on the football helped keep his side in touch. He can expect to see senior action again before this season is over.
Richard Cole finally looks ready both physically and mentally to make his long-awaited debut in the seniors. Cole played deep in defence but handled himself superbly in difficult conditions and against a Williamstown side full of Collingwood players with senior experience.
The Essendon coaching panel would also have been pleased with the return of Courtenay Dempsey from injury. Dempsey had missed the past three matches with a groin strain and not surprisingly it took him a half to find his feet. But Dempsey played very good football in the second half and look very assured in the wet conditions.
Williamstown 2.4 7.7 8.7 9.11 (65)
Bendigo 2.7 6.11 7.17 7.18 (60)
Goals: Williamstown - Williams 2, Rose 2, Lawry 2, Rowe, Rusling, Johnson. Bendigo - Bowles 2, Blumfield 2, Cartledge, Maddern, Firman.
Best: Williamstown - Cloke, Johnson, Rowe, Davis, Rose, Greene. Bendigo - Jolley, Doering, Cole, Dempsey, Rose, Pendelbury.
