Banyule have emerged victorious in an entertaining MC Labour Division 2 clash with Lower Plenty, prevailing by 11 points at Montmorency Park South Oval.
Again, showcasing their ability to close out matches, Banyule were able to slow down Lower Plenty’s final quarter surge to run away 14.12 (96) to 12.13 (85) winners.
The visitors still remain in third position of the ladder but are only four points shy of the top of the table Eltham, setting up a vital clash between both sides in three weeks’ time.
Meanwhile Lower Plenty, now 10 points adrift of the top three, will likely miss out on a double chance spot in the lead up to finals.
Having built an impressive body of work in the midfield already in 2022, Riley Loton was again influential in the middle for his side, amassing a lot of the footy and setting up several goals.
Daniel Kelly was also impressive as was Michael Edwards who was a vital contributor with his run and carry off half back.
2021 Division 2 MVP Reuben Blackmore-More showed signs that he’s starting to get back to his best, with a four-goal display proving the difference.
His fourth major sealed the win for his side in stunning fashion, dribbling through a goal from the pocket to ensure Banyule’s lead remained intact in the final moments.
In the losing effort, Lower Plenty’s Tom Keys was the best player for his side, finishing the day with five goals and with big man Thomas Blake out of action, Keys was deployed in the ruck to great effect while also being influential when tasked with contributing in the midfield.
Darcy Barden was a calming presence in defence and did his best to keep his side in the contest with his defensive work. He was excellent in limiting Jack Langford’s impact, while even going up forward in the final term to kick an important major to almost steal a victory for Lower Plenty.
After a goalless first nine minutes, Tom Keys produced the opening major of the afternoon before Banyule took control of the contest to kick three consecutive goals courtesy of Kye Yodgee, Blackmore-Moore and Jacob Mitchell.
Tyler Wallace then sprung to action just minutes before quarter time, kicking an impressive major to reduce the deficit to five points for the home side at the first change.
Wallace continued to provide the spark in the second quarter when he kicked his second within just 30 seconds to regain Lower Plenty’s lead.
But from then onwards for the rest of the term, Banyule had all the ascendancy, kicking four unanswered goals to suddenly produce a 22-point lead at half time.
Lower Plenty almost came out a different side in the third term, as two goals in a minute from Tom Keys quickly reduced the margin to 10 points.
Langford kicked his second goal of the afternoon as an immediate response before Keys popped up again to kick his fourth major to again reduce the margin for the home side.
But once again, when they were challenged, the visitors responded in classy fashion, kicking four of the next five goals, including a great running goal from debutant Ted Meehan that had the Banyule fans up on their feet.
22 points down at three quarter time, Lower Plenty continued to push Banyule to their limits and Keys again got things rolling, scoring his fifth major within the first two minutes of the quarter.
Wallace then had a third before Langford’s third kept the visitors’ margin to beyond two goals.
The Barden’s then combined exceptionally to take Lower Plenty to within touching distance of the lead. Late inclusion Billy produced two crucial goals with his brother Darcy moving up forward to kick one of his own in order to make it a five-point game at the 23-minute mark.
But despite all the momentum going the home side’s way, Blackmore-Moore produced an excellent piece of magic, scoring from the pocket to assure Banyule of victory.
