GREENSBOROUGH held the lead all day despite challenges from Lower Plenty in its 23-point win at War Memorial Park in Round 12.
A third-quarter blitz did enough damage, as the home side staved off their visitors in the last to win 15.9 (99) to 10.16 (76).
The Bears got plenty of the ball early in the game, although it was inaccurate kicking that cost them.
Matthew Duckworth missed an easy shot with his kick falling short in the goal square, whilst Adam Dennis could only manage one goal for the day, missing several scoring shots in the first quarter.
Although the Boro didn’t have as much possession, they used the ball more efficiently, scoring only one behind for the first half in contrast to Lower Plenty’s 11.
Tim Bongetti’s goal on the half-time siren helped create a 14-point buffer for the Boro, although Lower Plenty was not out of the match if it started to make the most of its scoring opportunities in the second half.
But in the third quarter, the Bears’ performance dropped off. They weren’t able to get near their goals as they constantly turned the ball over on Greensborough’s half forward line.
Tom Keys was one of the only shining lights for Lower Plenty, taking a number of contested marks in defence, in a quarter in which the Bears failed to manage any score.
This gave the Boro the chance to add to their total, with Jason Rogers scoring a goal and assisting in another in the third quarter in his best on ground performance.
Although being down by more than seven goals going into the final term, Lower Plenty coach Vin Dattoli told his players at three-quarter time that it was still a realistic target to chase.
A better Lower Plenty side was able to slow down Greensborough’s entry into its forward 50, which reduced its chances to set up scoring opportunities.
Kicking with the wind, the Bears were able to significantly reduce their deficit in the final quarter, kicking five goals to two to go down in the end by 23 points.
The result ended a run of four-straight wins for Lower Plenty – its best streak since returning to Division 1 in 2012.
Both of Greensborough’s goals in the last quarter came on the run, with returning forward Rhys Boyden slotting one through after running into an empty goal square in a lapse in Lower Plenty defence.
Greensborough’s goals for the day were added on thanks to Cameron Jordan, Joshua Grubb and Andrew Stellas who combined for nine goals, whilst the Bears didn’t have any multiple goal kickers in the match.
In an injury concern for the Boro, Jack Didier was forced from the field after being on the receiving end of a heavy bump in the second quarter.
Following the bye, Greensborough will take on fifth-placed Macleod at De Winton Park, whilst Lower Plenty will be playing off for fifth-place on the ladder when it hosts Bundoora at home.
Final score: Greensborough 15.9 (99) def Lower Plenty 10.16 (76)
