THOMASTOWN staked its claim as a genuine Division 3 premiership contender with a 14-point win over Watsonia at A.K Lines Reserve in Round 2.
After losing four consecutive games to the Saints in 2013, the win helped ease some of the pain of last year’s six-goal preliminary final loss.
The Bears were as much as 39 points in front, but a late fight back from Watsonia wasn’t enough as Thomastown ran out 15.9 (99) to 13.7 (85) winners.
Up forward for the Bears, Jacob Osei-Duro and Christopher Leo starred, kicking five and four goals respectively. Meanwhile Joseph Merlo slotted three in a best on ground performance.
For the Saints, Mark Roumanos kicked three goals with Nick Gaylor and Jeremy Bennett the only other multiple goal scorers with two apiece.
Coming off a 109-point opening round win over Parkside, Thomastown came out of the gates quickly. It controlled all of the ball through the middle of the ground and kicked the first three majors.
Despite its slow start, Watsonia was able to steady and kicked the next four major to take a four-point lead going into the first break.
The Saints were looking to extend their lead kicking with the wind in the second term, but the Bears were again able to get on top in the middle of the ground and stop any attacks coming into their defence.
The visitors were able to kick 4.1 to 0.3 in the second term to go into the main break with an 18-point lead.
Thomastown was able to retain its momentum after half time, kicking three of the first four goals in the third term to charge out to a game-high lead.
Using the wind to their advantage, the Bears kicked seven goals for the term and looked to have the four points secured at the last change.
Facing a 39 point deficit at three-quarter time, Watsonia needed a big effort to get back into the game.
The Saints were able to kick five unanswered goals to come within nine points of the Bears, but a late goal to Merlo sealed the match for Thomastown.
The pressure of the Bears was a key component in the win with the whole team desperate in their attack on the football and the opponents’ ball carrier.
Thomastown was able to build its offence through its defence, with the half back line reading the play and able to intercept the ball when it came in.
Thomastown will face Reservoir at Crispe Park in Round 3, with the Mustangs fresh off the bye and the Easter break. Watsonia will look to regroup and get its second win for the season when it travels to Parkside.
Final score: Watsonia 13.7 (85) def by Thomastown 15.9 (99)
