The equation was simple heading into the contest at the Whittlesea Showgrounds.
If the Bears won by more than 29 points they would avoid the wooden spoon and demotion to Division 2. Anything less and it would be the Eagles who stayed in the top flight.
Lower Plenty was in control for most of the game and never looked like losing. However, reaching that 29-point margin was more difficult and it took the Bears right up until the last five minutes of the game to get to the desired score before they added a few more goals to make sure of the result.
While the Bears had contributors all over the ground it was Ben Buller who was the difference.
In his first game back for the seniors he was superb. He stood up in the second half when the game needed to be won and his poise and skill separated the teams.
Clint Monger was also impressive. He appeared whenever needed – kicking three goals as well as winning the ball at will across the ground. Pat Flynn also was great in the ruck and provided many options once the ball hit the ground.
The best for Whittlesea included Jeremy Page who was impressive in winning his share of hit outs and clearances. Andrew Fairchild was almost able to save Whittlesea with his five goals but it was just not enough in the end.
In the opening quarter Lower Plenty needed to get a good start and did exactly that, kicking the first two goals before Fairchild answered back with his first.
The game was being played between the arcs and through their ability to convert their chances the Bears went into the first break up by 12 points.
The visitors dominated the start of the second quarter with constant forward entries. However they could not convert, leaving the door open for Whittlesea to kick the first after a Lucas Hobbs screamer. Another goal from the Eagles put them in front.
The game then stepped up a notch and the Bears added two more to to ensure they went into half-time on top.
It was Whittlesea who recovered from the break first and constantly put Lower under pressure early in the third, but couldn’t break through until 10 minutes in when Rocky Collins goaled.
All this hard work was quickly undone as Lower Plenty answered back immediately through Cam Elmore. Monger then took it upon himself to extend the lead, selling some candy and kicking a magnificent goal on the run from 50.
With the margin at 15 points at three-quarter time the first goal was crucial. The Eagles had multiple opportunities but missed, allowing Reece Geary to score for Lower Plenty.
In a dire position Whittlesea continually went to Fairchild in the goal square and the powerful forward kicked two goals from great contested marks and the Eagles looked as if they might have done enough.
With everything on the line Lower Plenty had one last crack. It was lead by Monger who kicked the first two goals to give them hope.
Then Reece Geary kicked his second to increase the margin to 29 points. When captain Billy Barden goaled with only minutes left on the clock he sealed Lower Plenty’s place in Division 1 in 2013.
There were scenes of jubilation from the Lower Plenty faithful when the final siren sounded, and of equal disappointment and heartbreak from the big home crowd whose side was relegated despite an encouraging and competitive two years in first division.
Final score: Whittlesea 8.11 (59) def by Lower Plenty 14.12 (96)
