Greensborough remains the only undefeated side in Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 after two rounds, following an emphatic 46-point win over reigning premier Bundoora.
The Boro led from start to finish to spoil the Bulls’ 2017 premiership flag unfurling, running away with a 14.11 (95) to 6.13 (49) win at Yulong Reserve.
Greensborough coach Robert Hyde said he was pleased with his side’s progress over the opening two rounds and stressed the importance of early wins after last year losing its opening five games.
“I know it’s only Round 2, but I reckon in both games we’ve bought good intensity and pressure,” Hyde said.
“It’s good to win at this time of the year. A bit different to last year where we lost the first five, so it just instils a bit of belief.”
Jason Rogers and teenager Tynan Smith were influential up forward for Greensborough, finishing with three goals apiece, while Josh Callaway slotted two of his own. It continued the Boro’s even spread of goal kickers, with nine players kicking a major.
All three were among the best for the winning side, with Dylan Clancy also among the Boro’s best players in his breakthrough performance at senior level.
For the Bulls, Gary Moorcroft was the only multiple goal scorer, booting three majors. He was named among his side’s best, along with Damandeep Aujla and Dale Marshall – who impressed in a more permanent midfield role.
Nathan Thomas fought hard in his first game of the season and the ever-reliable Brent Marshall was also impressive.
In a high-pressure first quarter, it was the Boro who were able to settle quicker and get cleaner chances inside attacking 50. The visitors kicked the only two majors of the term, while the Bulls managed just three behinds.
Callaway and Smith kicked goals early in the second term to extend Greensborough’s lead, before Moorcroft slotted the home side’s first goal of the day.
Peter Hood snapped a goal just before half time to close Bundoora’s deficit, but a quick reply courtesy of Andrew Stellas saw the Boro push the lead out to 22 points at the main break.
The Boro once again jumped out of the blocks at the start of the third quarter, with goals to Callaway and Chris Clark extending the lead beyond five goals.
However late majors to Travis Keating and Moorcroft brought to deficit to 27 points at the final change and gave Bundoora a slight chance going into the final term.
The Bulls looked like they just might record a comeback, kicking two of the first three goals in the last quarter to take the momentum.
However, as they did in their opening round victory over Montmorency, the Boro rallied in the final 15 minutes. The visitors reeled off the final four goals in succession to run away with a percentage-boosting victory and move one win clear atop the ladder.
Bundoora will look to get back on the winners’ list when it travels to Montmorency Park to take on Montmorency in a Round 3 twilight match, while Greensborough will look to extend its winning run when it faces Heidelberg at Warringal Park.
Final score: Bundoora 6.13 (49) def by Greensborough 14.11 (95)
