LOWER PLENTY produced another stunning upset, this time over former league-leaders Heidelberg by 29 points at Montmorency Park.
The Bears were able to follow up on their previous big home win over arch rivals Montmorency with a stunning second half display to down the Tigers 10.9 (69) to 5.10 (40).
This was the Bears fourth win a row and fifth from their past six games. They are now sitting comfortably in fourth spot with a finals spot likely if they can keep on their good form.
It was an extremely disappointing second half performance from the Bergers, unable to give club legend Blair Harvey a win in his 300th NFL game.
The Bergers started the better however, booting an early goal through James McGrath after both sides looked likely in front of the big sticks.
Dillan Ronalds replied instantly for the Bears, snapping a ripping goal on his right whilst being pressured.
The Bergers were then able to reply with two of their own, with Chaz Sergeant and McGrath booting consecutive goals to put their side up by 14 points midway through the term.
Contested footy took control for the rest of the quarter but a last-gasp goal to Adam Dennis saw the Bears hang in there, trailing by seven at the first break.
The second quarter was much of the same as the first, very contested and highly pressured. Only one goal was kicked for the term, that coming from Matt Pianto who got the Bergers off to a great start only minutes in.
The margin remained the same for the quarter so the Bergers went into the second half with a 15-point buffer. The match was extremely contested, with neither side able to put chain of consecutive possessions together.
Bill Barden started the Lower fight back, booting the first goal of the third term to reward his side’s persistent attacking pressure and reduce the margin to eight points.
Heidelberg star Michael Brunelli was stretchered off five minutes into the quarter after being caught in a big tackle. His loss stung the Bergers as Darcy Barden booted another for the Bears to reduce the margin to three points.
The game was still much contested, but the ball was now being played in the Bears forward half. Every time a player was in possession of the footy, they were carolled by a swarm of players so it was extremely hard to find open space.
The Bears were then able to break free and Matthew Barden was able to make it two goals in quick succession, putting the home side in front for the first time of the day.
A burst out of defence from David Di Stefano saw Bill Barden get on the end of the amazing play and slam home the set shot to set up for a thrilling last term with the Bears up by nine points.
Despite Heidelberg’s early attacking presence, it was the Bears who were able to draw first blood in the final term.
Dillan Ronalds attacked the pack hard and came away with the footy before dishing it off to Dennis who was left open in the square and he slammed it home to complete a brilliant coast-to-coast play.
Pianto was able to reply instantly for the Bergers, their first and only goal for the second half as the Bears kicked three goals in a row to close the game out 19-point winners.
Darcy Barden, Patrick Flynn and Bill Barden were Lower’s best in a memorable win, whilst Joshua Gribben, Ben Cosgriff and Callum Lewis were Heidelberg’s best in a disappointing performance.
The win sees the Bergers drop down to second and sets up a massive clash against Bundoora who are coming off two consecutive losses. The Bears face new league-leaders Greensborough away, where the competition’s two in-form sides go to battle.
Final score: Lower Plenty 10.9 (69) def Heidelberg 5.10 (40)
