Epping recorded its second win of the 2018 A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2 season with an impressive 31-point win over Watsonia.
Inaccuracy cost the Saints, with the Blues taking just one more shot at goal on their way to the 14.14 (98) to 8.19 (67) win at Epping Recreation Reseve.
Damon Marcon shone up forward for the home side, booting six goals in a best on ground performance. Kevin Kiernan and Jake Perry also kicked two majors apiece for the Blues.
Alec Buchan continued his strong start to the season, putting in a trademark performance across half-back and in the midfield.
For the Saints, Allan Young and Sam Peet presented all afternoon, booting three goals each while Jack Larkin and Lachlan Sinclair kicked singles.
After conceding a 50-metre penalty and the first goal of the afternoon, Epping dominated the first quarter – booting six of the next seven goals to go into the first break 28 points ahead.
The Saints had multiple chances in the second term to reign in the Blues, however they were only able to manage 2.7, with both goals coming courtesy of Young.
Peet booted a goal early in the third term as the Saints looked threatening, however goals to Marcon and Perry extended the Blues lead to 24-points at the final change.
Wary of a fast-finishing Watsonia side, the Blues put the foot to the sword early in the final term, as Chris Chilcott and Marcon goaled before the sides traded majors.
Josh Stavely was forced from the game with a shoulder injury early on the last quarter, and did not take any further part as a precaution with the result looking beyond doubt.
It was once again inaccuracy that let the Saints down in the last, booting 3.7 to the Blues 5.2 as the margin extended to the final 31-points.
Epping coach Greg Whitcroft spoke post-match and was pleased with his side’s victory.
“I thought we beat them around the ball most of the day, they defended around the ground well and got numbers back,” he said.
“The longer the game went on we were able to get our run and handball game going and put some holes in them.”
Next week the Blues will face reigning third division premiers Banyule at R.J Brockwell Oval, while the Saints will host Diamond Creek as they continue to look for their first win in 2018.
Final score: Epping 14.14 (98) def Watsonia 8.19 (67)
