A seven-goal third term was crucial in Montmorency extending its winning start to the year as it defeated struggling rival Greensborough in Round 3.
The 14.12 (96) to 11.12 (79) result pushed the Magpies into second spot on the Meadows Greyhounds Division 1 ladder and continued Greensborough’s winless start to the 2017 season.
Montmorency’s stand outs were definitely goal kickers Stephen McCallum (four goals) and Mark Deaves (five goals), while Brett Zorzi, Joel McLellan and Daniel Keenan also were impressive in their side’s third win on the trot.
Greensborough’s best players were Jack Johnston, Ricky Mullins, Rhys Boyden, Nick Riddle and John Desmond.
The two teams squared off at War Memorial Park and Greensborough forward Boyden got the home side off to a good start after booting the first goal of the game from a set shot.
Both teams had numerous opportunities to stamp their mark on the game early, but some costly misses from each led to neither side being able to break away.
Billy Jenkin was influential across the backline for Montmorency providing rebound and run, whilst down the other end Nick Riddle was doing the same for the home side.
Both teams settled down in front of goal and started to kick straighter and Boro led at the break by six points.
Montmorency was able to start the second term well, kicking the first two goals, with the Boro only managing to kick one for the entire quarter.
Montmorency reigning club champion Stephen McCallum kicked a sensational soccer off the ground to extend the visitors’ lead and shortly after Jesse Donaldson pounced on a turnover and snapped a goal, giving the Magpies a 13-point lead at the main break.
Montmorency came out firing in the third quarter with Deaves and McCallum both outstanding. The pair managed to kick the opening five goals of the term in what was a dominant quarter by the Magpies.
The Magpies moved the ball exceptionally well and dictated the play on their terms, resulting in a seven-goal to two quarter.
Greensborough didn’t go down without a fight, managing to kick the last two goals of the quarter to give itself some hope of a late comeback. The last two goals from Johnston and Desmond brought the deficit down to 43 points.
Once again, Montmorency started the final quarter well, kicking the first goal thanks to big man Patrick Fitzgerald.
However, it was not enough to dampen Boro’s spirits as they fought back hard and tried to stage a late comeback.
The home side booted five goals in a row, but the surge came too late as Montmorency held on for victory, winning by 17 points.
Montmorency returns home in Round 4 to play fifth-placed Bundoora in a huge clash at Montmorency Park. Greensborough has a tough assignment against undefeated Macleod at De Winton Park.
Final score: Greensborough 11.13 (79) def by Montmorency 14.12 (96)
