A SEASON defining match between Lower Plenty and Bundoora didn’t disappoint, with the Bulls winning by a goal and putting themselves back inside the Division 1 top five.
Bundoora co-captain Brent Marshall secured the six-point victory, kicking a set shot goal with the final siren sounding only seconds after play restarted. The goal enable the Bulls to prevail 14.6 (90) to 12.12 (84).
Marshall received the pass from Gary Moorcroft, who also could have had a shot from his position, to give Bundoora a win that now puts it on equal points with Lower Plenty. A far superior percentage places the Bulls above the Bears after 13 rounds.
Bundoora remarkably scored the last four goals of the match in seven minutes to claw back the lead forged by Lower Plenty earlier in the term.
The Bears had the game in their grasp when they grew a five-point lead into 17 points thanks to two goals in the space of a minute.
This was the largest margin of the day as the scores remained tight for the duration of the match at Montmorency Park.
Lower Plenty looked the better side on the day, but only slightly.
It was able to win plenty of uncontested possessions early which allowed it to move the ball cleanly down the field, as opposed to Bundoora who often wasted possession with poor disposals.
But in the second quarter the Bulls began to make the Bears work harder for their possessions.
Good pressure made it difficult for Lower Plenty to get the ball out of defence, as Bundoora forced the Bears to play on instead of finding free targets for marks.
A tussle to end the first quarter resulted in a free kick and goal to Bundoora. With no player standing on the goal line, Ned McKeown sunk a low flying goal from a set shot which became a crucial moment in such a tight game.
Only five points separated the sides at half-time and an early goal to Moorcroft put the Bulls ahead by a point in the third quarter.
A smother from Matthew Dennis in the middle of the ground later in the term resulted in Moorcroft’s second goal for the quarter and fourth for the match, whilst at the other end, Bill Barden also kicked two for Lower Plenty in the third quarter.
Bundoora coach Phil Plunkett reminded his players of the importance of winning the game at three quarter time and although the Bears got the lead early, the Bulls determination to keep their season alive showed through as they stormed home to victory.
The win ended a run of three successive losses for the Bulls, who now remain firmly in the finals race as they look to defend their 2013 premiership success.
Next week Bundoora plays second-placed Greensborough at home, with the Boro coming off their first away defeat of the season against Macleod.
Lower Plenty has an opportunity to get back on the winners list when it takes on last placed Whittlesea away. The Eagles recorded their first victory of the season in Round 13, when they upset the more fancied West Preston-Lakeside.
Final score: Lower Plenty 12.12 (84) def by Bundoora 14.6 (90)
