Epping produced their most outstanding performance in many years to claim their first win of the 2023 MC Labour Division 2 season, defeating Lower Plenty by 43 points at Montmorency Park South Oval.
An intense match-up between two teams seeking their first of the year saw the Blues be the more dominant side in transition, claiming a 15.12 (103) to 9.6 (60) result.
It’s Epping first win over the Bears since Round 12, 2013, back when the two sides were playing in Division 1. They move into ninth spot following the victory while Lower Plenty’s losing streak has now extended to nine games.
Daniel Rakhlin had a cracking of a game for the Blues, kicking four goals and taking some magnificent marks in the forward half.
Mitchell Moate also had a significant impact, kicking two third term majors while the ever reliable Leigh Judd was strong in the backline, playing his role in keeping Lower Plenty to low scores in the first half of the game, as well as providing support through the middle when necessary.
For the Bears, Liam Riley and Jack Fitzpatrick were the only multiple goal-scorers, each scoring two goals.
Dion Stallbaum was a notable inclusion for the hosts, having an influence throughout the entire afternoon while co-captain Jordan Sacco was named best on ground for Lower Plenty.
Epping kicked three of the first four goals of the game with Caleb Newport, Daniel Rakhlin and Luke Di Mauro all converting their shots on goal.
Liam Riley and Tyler Wallace were the Bears’ only goalkickers for the quarter, both slotting through a major each.
Ruckman Patrick Flynn has had a solid few outings of late and his form continued into this clash, with his ability to produce deep inside 50 entries giving his side multiple chances.
Trailing by 12 at the first change, Lower Plenty coach Phil Plunkett told his side to “look after each other” after what he described as a “positive quarter”.
The Bears lifted the pressure in the second quarter as emotions began to rise.
Co-captain Josh Turner was particularly brilliant in getting the ball to Lower Plenty’s forward 50, but Epping’s defence was too strong for the Bears to convert those efforts into scores, only finishing with one minor for the term as a result.
The visitors managed to kick two further goals for the quarter however they also produced seven behinds, with that inaccuracy keeping Lower Plenty in the game as 30 points separated both sides at half time.
Dion Stallbaum started the third quarter with a goal for the Bears after a brilliant clearance from his side.
But Epping would continue to find answers. Mitchell Moate was crucial inside forward 50, kicking two majors for the term despite lots of pressure being applied from the Bears backline.
Tyler Wallace was a standout for the home team, keeping them in the game through his daring efforts around the ground.
However, another five-goal term gave Epping a 44-point advantage at three quarter time, putting them in the hot seat to earn a first win of the 2023 season.
Daniel Rakhlin was the star player for the final quarter, kicking three of his four goals in the term while taking some impressive grabs inside 50.
Lower Plenty were able to add four goals to the scoreboard, but Epping’s ferocity in defensive 50 ensured a comeback never really looked likely.
