HURSTBRIDGE was able to back up its big win over Mernda a week earlier by defeating Whittlesea by 15 points at Ben Frilay Oval in Round 8.
Despite kicking a wasteful 2.9 in the final term, the Bridges were able to hold on to the lead and secure a 14.18 (102) to 12.15 (87) victory.
The result allowed Hurstbridge to leapfrog the Eagles into third place on the Division 2 ladder, while Whittlesea slid from second to fourth position heading into the Queen’s Birthday break.
Searching for a third-successive victory, Whittlesea began the game well with two quick goals from Riley Dyson and Janan Daniel.
That was until Hurstbridge responded quickly. The Bridges kicked the next five goals of the term, while Whittlesea could only manage six behinds in that time.
The Eagles were finding it difficult to contain the ball inside their forward 50 and their situation wasn’t helped by missing opportunities when shooting at goal.
As Hurstbridge went into quarter time with a 15-point lead, Whittlesea coach Brad Dean demanded his players start to “be harder, tougher and create more contests in the air”.
The second term started very inaccurately. Three behinds from both sides were scored before Hurstbridge recruit Jarrod Tilley scored the first goal of the quarter.
After Tilley’s major, the game turned into a fiery contest with plenty at stake for both sides. The Bridges second goal for the quarter came from two consecutive downfield free kicks.
Goals to Tom Grimes and Brett Woodhouse later in the term proved to be decisive as the Bridges extended their lead to 28 points heading into the half time break.
After a poor finish to the first half, Whittlesea was looking to start the third quarter on the front foot. Majors from Nicholas Horman, Brenton Briffa, Steven Dempsey and Brett Hayes allowed the Eagles to achieve this.
Two goals from Brett Woodhouse ensured the home side kept the lead heading into three quarter time, however it was an evenly-poised ball game with the Bridges leading by just nine points.
Hurstbridge’s playing-coach, Michael Ryan told his troops they needed to “work hard in order to stay in front” in the last term.
The home side had plenty of possession early in the final term and seemed to take control heading forward. But despite their control of the football, they could only muster six consecutive behinds.
Although the Bridges were inaccurate, the visitors couldn’t capitalise fully and were held to just two goals in the final quarter as they suffered just their third loss of the year.
John Kreuzer and Blair Harvey were fantastic for Hurstbridge, combining together to set up attacking plays.
Bridges playing-coach Michael Ryan was impressed with the performance of his experienced duo.
“Their leadership towards younger players is part of the reason why we are winning close games,” he said.
He was also satisfied with his players’ ability to regain focus after a physical first half.
“We were able to refocus and concentrate on the game and I’m glad we were able to control ourselves,” he said.
For the away side, Janan Daniel, Nicholas Horman and Brett Hayes did well inside the Eagles forward 50, combing for seven goals.
Hurstbridge will be searching for its third consecutive victory when it hosts fifth-placed Fitzroy Stars after the Queen’s Birthday weekend.
Whittlesea will be looking to respond and cement its place inside the top four at the halfway point of the year when it travels to Coventry Oval to play Diamond Creek.
Final score: Hurstbridge 14.18 (102) def Whittlesea 12.15 (87)
