Panton Hill took a huge step towards the double-chance with an ultra-impressive 84-point win over the previously undefeated Heidelberg West in Round 7 of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
The 20.9 (129) to 6.9 (45) win at A.E. Cracknell Reserve moved the Redbacks up to second place on the ladder courtesy of a superior percentage, with the Hawks dropping to third spot.
Panton Hill’s percentage has now risen to 250 and means its near rivals will have to win an extra game to go ahead.
Matthew Byron had strong hands and took numerous contested marks up forward. He finished with seven goals and was also the link in the chain across half forward at times.
Rhys Boyden was well held by Alex Purtell for the early part of the game but cashed in with some late goals to finish with six.
Scott Conte had a massive game, kicking three majors drove Panton Hill forward from the midfield.
“Couldn’t be happier,” Panton Hill coach Steve Layt said. “Our best four quarter performance.”
Panton Hill’s defence was also dominant on the day, with Heidelberg West scoring only three goals in the first three quarters.
Brent Ryan took a lot of intercept marks – often dropping back off the pack to be a spare in defence. Ryan Boyden and Tim Duckworth swept up in defence and found targets further afield.
Daniel Freeman set the tone early with repeat efforts in the midfield and capped off his work with a goal.
Nick Parks pleased his coach with his ruck work and his in close efforts. He was given a chop out by Andrew Jackson in the ruck as well.
But the highlight of the Redbacks’ performance was the pressure they applied all over the ground. They often forced a stalemate when the Hawks looked likely to break free – or forced an error and won the ball from their opponents.
It was a day to forget for Heidelberg West – with no multiple goal kickers and few winners. They were hanging on by a thread in the middle stages of the game but booted six consecutive behinds and a few out on the full either side of half time.
The game got completely away from them during this time – with Panton Hill taking a 72-point lead into the last change.
The game looked like it was heading for a triple-digit margin when the Redbacks booted four goals in the final term in quick succession. But the Hawks rallied late – with three of the last four goals to reel in the margin to 84 points.
“We didn’t take out chances, but all credit to Panton Hill,” Heidelberg West coach Cam van Florestein said.
He was pleased with the work of Oliver Welsh in the centre. Welsh was ably assisted by Masaki Miki, who was busy as always.
Jarryd Coulson took some strong contested marks around the ground – including one at point blank range for a goal.
Ben Kennan mopped up well at half back and his disposal skills were top class.
The good news is Heidelberg West still has a 5-1 record. The Hawks now have another away game – with a trip to Laurimar Reserve to play undefeated ladder-leader Laurimar next week.
Panton Hill heads north to play the improving Kilmore.
Final score: Panton Hill 20.9 (129) def Heidelberg West 6.9 (45)
PANTON HILL
Goal Kickers: M. Byron 7, R. Boyden 6, S. Conte 3, J. Rushton, D. Freeman, J. Pritchard, N. Hendry
Best Players: M. Byron, S. Conte, S. Parks, R. Boyden, N. Hendry, R. Boyden
HEIDELBERG WEST
Goal Kickers: K. Ewart, B. Moore, J. Smith Thompson, J. Coulson, M. Reinke, B. Wright
Best Players: O. Welsh, A. Purtell, B. Kennan, M. Miki, Z. Tranter, S. Guthrie
