Thomastown staked its claim as a genuine finals contender in A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2 with a 30-point win over Diamond Creek in Round 5.
The Bears led at every change and booted five goals to one in the final term to run away 11.10 (76) to 6.10 (46) victors at Main Street Reserve.
Thomastown coach Ben Chapman was pleased to finally see his side’s effort rewarded after winning just one of their first four games.
“People look at results and they see wins and losses, and we’ve been playing really good footy, we’ve just had patches in games which have hurt us,” he said.
Captain Matt Vasilevski was one of the standouts for the Bears through the midfield with his toughness and use of the ball in soggy conditions culminating in his best match of the season.
“In fairness to Matt, I think he’d say that his start to the season has been a bit below par. He sets himself very high standards,’” Chapman said.
“As captain of our club he really led from the front today and when he’s on, there aren’t many players that can stop him.”
Vasilevski also booted two goals, alongside Jacob Osei-Duro, Matthew Ferraro and Sashe Spiroski.
Spiroski was also among the best, as was ruckman Dylan Chapman who continued his hot start to the season according to (Ben) Chapman.
“If we counted our best and fairest today, I’d be amazed if he (Chapman) wasn’t in front. I haven’t seen him be beaten in a game yet this year.”
For the Demons Ryan Pingree was the only multiple goal scorer with two majors. Daniel Shallard, Oliver Parks and Tyler Barnes were all gallant in defeat for the visiting side.
Kicking against the breeze in the first quarter, the Bears allowed an early goal to Jai Norman, before replying with the next three, two of which came in a minute via Anthony Capeci and Vasilevski.
Shallard kicked one late for the Demons to cut the margin to five points at the first change.
As the rain came down scoring slowed with both sides only able to manage the one goal apiece in the second term, with the Bears going in the main break seven points ahead.
Shannon Ball snapped one in the opening minutes before Capeci fooled everyone on the ground to find Osei-Duro alone in the forward 50 and he converted.
Pingree and Robby Noble booted goals late in the quarter to stem Diamond Creek’s deficit to just one straight kick at the final change.
After an almighty rev up from Chapman, the Bears put the foot down in the final term as Ferraro and Spiroski combined for the first four goals of the quarter to give the home side and unassailable lead.
Thomastown will face the Fitzroy Stars at Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval following the representative break, while the Demons will look to end a two-game losing street when they host Eltham.
Final score: Thomastown 11.10 (76) def Diamond Creek 6.10 (46)
