GREENSBOROUGH remains within striking distance of the Division 1 minor premiership, following its hard fought 21-point win over traditional rival Montmorency in Round 10.
Despite being wasteful in front of goal, the Boro were still able to register their eighth win of the season with the 16.20 (116) to 14.11 (95) victory.
Montmorency was able to open up an early 10-point lead after Greensborough wasted early opportunities to convert goals.
The Boro opened their scoring with six consecutive behinds before they were able to register their first major, while the Magpies were making the most of their opportunities at the other end.
Ryan Jackson was able to kick two goals off the slippery Montmorency Park deck to open up the early lead for the Magpies, before two late goals from Boro forward Tim Bongetti trimmed Montmorency’s lead to just three points at the first change.
The second quarter saw the Boro trouble the Magpies with fluent transition football, but yet again they were unable to convert their opportunities, kicking 3.7 for the quarter. Luke Stanton spent time in the forward line and caused headaches for the Magpies defence.
Montmorency was able to stay in touch, going into half time trailing by 14 points, despite having nine less scoring shots.
Last week Greensborough coach Robert Hyde described the Boro’s third term as its worst quarter of the season, and he would have been nervous early in the second half as Patrick Fitzgerald loomed as an ominous threat up forward for the Magpies.
Fitzgerald took big pack marks and kicked multiple goals in the third quarter to keep his side in the contest.
However, a late goal from the in-form Bongetti ensured that Greensborough would go into the final change with a 24 point lead, but the door was left ajar for Montmorecy at three quarter time on the back of the Boro’s inaccuracy in front of goal.
The game appeared to be over early in the final term as Greensborough opened up a five-goal lead. But just as it did against Lower Plenty in Round 9, Montmorency made a late surge, closing the margin to just 14 points.
Fitzgerald and Jesse Donaldson were instrumental in the late Magpie resurgence. The Boro were eventually able to steady and hold off the fast-finishing Magpies.
Michael Hooper and Ricky Mullins were able to back up their strong efforts last week against Heidelberg with solid outings for Greensborough, while competition lead goal kicker Bongetti booted six majors.
Fitzgerald was the Magpies best player with six goals, while Ben Fennell and Ryan Jackson were also impressive in defeat.
The win keeps Greensborough six-points clear in second position, but still one game behind first-placed Heidelberg. The Boro will now prepare to come up against an improving Northcote Park at Bill Lawry Oval.
Montmorency faces a tough task to play finals football, sitting two wins behind fifth-placed Lower Plenty.
The Magpies this week travel over to Yulong Reserve in a must win clash against Bundoora.
Final score: Montmorency 14.11 (95) def by Greensborough 16.20 (116)
