Watsonia notched up its sixth win for season 2013 with a 20-point win over Thomastown at Main Street Reserve on Saturday.
The Saints were able to pull away from the Bears in the final term to record the 15.13 (103) to 11.17 (83) win – their second victory over the second-placed team this season.
Up forward, Jeremy Bennett starred with four goals, while playing-coach Lochie Dornauf slotted three of his own. Thomas Walliss and Brody Ricardi also chipped in with two apiece.
For the Bears, Jacob Osei-Duro and James Mercuri kicked three goals each with Domenic Mazza the only other multiple goal scorer with two majors.
Watsonia found itself out to a quick lead after kicking five of the first six goals in a dominant first term. However, Thomastown kicked a late major to bring the lead back to 18 points at the first change.
After a rev-up at the quarter time huddle, the Bears turned the tables in the second term. The home side played some inspired footy and was able to kick four goals to one for the quarter to come within one point of the Saints at the main break.
Both teams came out of the rooms fired up and ready to go for the second half and in the third quarter the contest was very even around the ground. Both sides refused to let their opposition get any easy possessions as the sides traded seven goals for the term.
Ultimately, Thomastown’s inaccurate kicking was a major factor in the quarter. The Bears kicked 3.5 in the third and went into the final quarter four points behind.
With the game and also a potential top two place in the balance, Watsonia came out firing in the last quarter. Unlike Thomastown in the third quarter, the Saints took advantage of their opportunities and kicked five goals from seven scoring shots to take the 20-point win.
Interestingly, Watsonia has now won seven of eight quarters against Thomastown in their two outings this year.
Tony Hogg had a sensational game on-ball and earned best on ground honours. Thomas Walliss and Fraser Ellis both playing stellar games and were also named in the better players for the victor.
For the Bears, Jacob Osei-Duro was named best with an equal team-high three-goal performance. Others included in the best were ruckman Steven Cadby and Osama Saad.
Next week, Watsonia will take on the ever-dangerous Parkside who defeated St Mary’s by 32 points at Pitcher Park in Round 11.
Thomastown will look to hold on to its position in second place on the ladder when it takes on bottom side Heidelberg West at Heidelberg Park.
Final score: Thomastown 11.17 (83) def by Watsonia 15.13 (103)
