MATTERS complicating the Division 2 season took more twists and turns in Round 3, with Panton Hill breaking through for its first victory of the season.
The Hillers led at every change in taking their 8.17 (65) to 8.7 (55) victory over Hurstbridge under lights at Cracknell Reserve, and in doing so, took their first victory in Division 2 since Round 8, 2009. Brendan O’Connor and Scott Moran kicked two goals each for Panton Hill, who now makes its first trip to Sir Douglas Nicholls Oval to take on Fitzroy Stars.
The Stars reasserted their status as one of the premiership favourites by dispatching of previously unbeaten Lalor by 40 points at Lalor Reserve, 17.13 (115) to 11.9 (75). The Stars got off to a flying start, kicking six goals to three to lead by 20 points at quarter time before Lalor clawed its way back into the game, trailing by a solitary point at half time.
However, the Stars had every answer for the Bloods after the main break, as they kicked away in the last quarter with six goals to two, to turn a slender 15-point three quarter time lead into a 40-point victory.
Allan Murray kicked four goals for the second consecutive week, while Malcolm Dow, also for the second straight game, was best on ground, kicking three goals.
That result leaves North Heidelberg as Division 2’s only unbeaten side, consigning Diamond Creek to the bottom of the ladder as the league’s only winless side following an 18.14 (122) to 13.6 (84) result at Shelley Reserve last Saturday.
Ironically, both sides’ respective final scores were the same as their meeting in Round 13 last season. The Dogs’ reduced reliance on Shane Harvey – who kicked two goals – has been evident in their spread of goalkickers this season, as nine goalkickers shared the load.
Leigh Gilbert led all comers with four goals, and Lachlan Dowling chipped in again with three goals. The Dogs led by as much as 51 points before Diamond Creek put some respectability back on the scoreboard, kicking two late goals.
Mernda rejoined the top two following an impressive triumph against Epping. The Dees were on fire in the opening 20 minutes, kicking the first five goals of the game, and perhaps should have had the game sewn up at half time but for an inaccurate second quarter, kicking 1.6.
The Demons then had to withstand a fierce second half challenge from the Blues, and only iced the game with Andrew Smith’s three last-quarter goals, to take a five-goal victory, kicking 11.16 (82) to 8.4 (52) to claim the Bayford Cup in the process.
Luke Shelton was awarded best on ground following the game, but had plenty of competition from Jesse Owens-Draper, Matthew Duggan and Krys Douglas.
The results on the weekend mean that second and third take each other on in Round 4, with Lalor playing host to Mernda.
The Bloods will have been disappointed not to have capitalised on their second quarter, however, the Stars finished too strongly for them. Todd Hughes kicked three goals, with Tom Bonson and Jarrod King their best players. However, should Lalor rebound, they will reclaim a spot in the top two.
Hurstbridge hosts North Heidelberg at Ben Frilay Oval as it looks to become the first team to knock the Dogs over in season 2014.
It will be a huge task, with North players assuming three of the top five places on the leading goal kickers table. For the Bridges, a return to their encouraging Round 1 form will be required if they are to be any hope, given their disappointing defeat to Panton Hill.
Down the road, Diamond Creek will look to open its account for 2014 when it hosts Epping at Coventry Oval.
The Creekers fought back from a 22-point half time deficit against North to trail by only five points midway through the third quarter, before conceding nine of the next 11 goals. Hugh Kavanagh was Diamond Creek’s best player, followed by Rikki Stephens who continues despite his club’s challenging start to the season.
Epping fought back admirably in its loss to Mernda, having not only faced a six-goal deficit at half time, but only contributing three scoring shots to Mernda’s 15 at that stage.
A five-goal third quarter allowed them to close within 21 points, and despite dominating around the stoppages in the last quarter, could not find an avenue to goal. Michael Robertson, Adrian Totino and Christian Janev were the Blues’ best performers in the defeat.
