Diamond Creek was far too strong for a disappointing Mernda at Coventry Oval on Saturday, winning by 48 points.
The final margin perhaps flattered Mernda as Diamond Creek’s inaccuracy, coupled with a couple of late goals to the visitors reduced the margin to the eventual 14.17 (101) to 8.5 (53) scoreline.
Mernda did get off to a good start, registering the opening goal through captain Rohan Davies. Another chance from Tim Atkins, who won a free kick in a goal scoring position, went begging as he kicked it out on the full.
From there it was all Diamond Creek in the opening quarter. The Creekers kicked six consecutive goals off the back of strong work from Josh Whitehouse-Summers and Ryan Burrell. Diamond Creek led by 31 points at the first change and set itself up for a big victory.
The home side started strongly in the second quarter, kicking the opening two goals to open up the margin that little bit more with the intention of handing Mernda a football lesson.
However, Mernda managed to hit back and scored a couple of quick goals to give itself a slight glimmer of hope. Michael Milner, playing his first game of the season, impressed throughout the second quarter and Nathan Mills was again solid at the back,
But it was not enough to prevent Diamond Creek winning the quarter to extend the lead at the long break to 37 points.
The third quarter belonged solely to Diamond Creek, however, inaccuracy also played a part as it missed many gettable chances.
Mernda seemed bereft of ideas as time and time again Diamond Creek was allowed plenty of time and space to deliver to Brett Gutterson, who eventually ended up with four goals. A return of 3.9 for the quarter compared to a solitary point allowed Diamond Creek to lead by 63 points at the last change.
The last quarter was an underwhelming affair. Mernda was able to kick five goals to bring a bit of respectability back to the scoreboard.
It was Diamond Creek though who had set up the big eight-goal victory and allowed itself to maintain a good challenge for the minor premiership.
10 individual goalkickers shared the load for the Creekers, led by Gutterson’s four-goal haul. For Mernda, Luke Drakes kicked three of his team’s eight goals, with Matthew Rees contributing two more.
Whitehouse-Summers was named best on the ground, and was ably supported by Burrell, Tyron Loader and Michael Rognoda. For Mernda, skipper Davies put in another great performance, as well as Mills, Milner, Tom Deayton and Andrew Douglas.
Diamond Creek heads off to Lalor this weekend as it continues its charge for a coveted minor premiership, while the now 2-4 Mernda faces another tough challenge as it takes on high flying North Heidelberg at Shelley Street.
Final score: Diamond Creek 14.17 (101) def Mernda 8.5 (53)
