HEIDELBERG regained top spot on the Division 1 ladder after a strong 21-point victory away against Greensborough at War Memorial Park in Round 9.
After trailing at the main break, the Bergers were too strong in the second half, finishing with a 12.8 (80) to 8.11 (59) victory in the battle for first place.
With only percentage separating the two sides heading into the clash, both sides were looking to claim outright first heading into the second half of the season.
After an even first half, it was the Boro who gained the upper hand, leading by 12 points heading into the main break.
Leading goal scorer Tim Bongetti was proving to be a handful for the Heidelberg defence, kicking two goals in the second quarter with his second goal coming after a yellow card to Tigers ruckman Michael Finn.
Then came the rain and the game was suddenly turned on its head.
The quick and slick movement that has become synonymous with Robert Hyde’s Greensborough side this season disappeared altogether as the mistakes and unforced errors started to creep in.
Hyde labelled it the third term the worst quarter of footy his side had played this season.
Heidelberg thrived off these heavy conditions, getting themselves first to the ball on most occasions and then bottling the ball deep in their half of the ground, leading to a seven goal to two third quarter.
With rain pouring down throughout the last quarter it was going to take a big ask from the Boro to come from behind and snatch victory.
All hope was lost when Charles Gaylard kicked the first goal after three quarter time, extending the visitors’ lead out to four goals and giving the Boro no hope of gaining momentum.
Gaylard stared for the Bergers, providing a key marking option across the half forward line and kicking two majors for the Bergers at key moments in the game.
It was his first goal late in the third quarter that gave Heidelberg the lead and the momentum that lead to four unanswered goals.
With Greensborough’s Matt Hyde controlling possession in defence playing as a loose man, Heidelberg coach Craig Hunter sent Cal Lewis to play a forward lock-down role on Hyde in an attempt to hold him accountable.
The move worked as Hyde struggled to find free space as Lewis followed him everywhere and also proved to be a handful as an attacking option as well.
Along with Gaylard and Lewis, Michael Brunelli and Paul Bower were both great across the four quarters, with Bower again able to zone into free space while playing the sweeping role that he has been able to succeed in for Heidelberg this season.
For Greensborough, it was the midfield of Ricky Mullins, Matt Fowler and ruckman Michael Hooper who again were amongst the best.
Defenders Daniel McLinden and Drew Wilson were both again strong down back, out marking their opponents on numerous occasions.
Round 10 provides an opportunity for the Boro to redeem themselves against Montmorency in another classic rivalry at Montmorency Park. The Mgpies will also be looking to get back on the winners’ list after their loss to Lower Plenty last Saturday.
Heidelberg head back home to face bottom placed Whittlesea who are still looking to get their first win of the season.
Despite vastly different ladder positions, the Round 2 game between the sides proved to be a thriller, with Heidelberg coming from behind to prevail by just three points.
Final score: Greensborough 8.11 (59) def by Heidelberg 12.8 (80)
