Watsonia continued its impressive run of form with a commanding 65-point win over Lalor at A.K. Lines Reserve in Round 10.
A seven-goal to two first quarter provided the foundation for the 18.16 (124) to 9.5 (59) result, as the Saints notched their fourth win for the season.
The win followed last week’s six-point upset over the Fitzroy Stars and pushed the Saints within two wins of the top-four following their promotion back into A Plus Labour Solutions Division 2.
Kyle Page and Jack Larkin combined for nine goals for the home side, while Kyle Kemp, Jarryd Allan and Ben Anderson were also damaging in the win.
Spencer Christopher was the glimmer of hope for Lalor, kicking three goals and leading a third quarter resurgence, while Ben Curtiss and Kaine Digney also toiled hard for the visitors.
Last year’s Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 premiers looked in total control of the contest as the first quarter began. Repeat entries inside forward 50 led to the Saints kicking four of the first five goals, including two from Jack Larkin.
Shannon Smith’s two goals were all Lalor could manage in the first quarter, as the home side slammed on the last three goals of the term to take a 34-point lead at quarter time.
Watsonia continued to attack aggressively and take advantage of Lalor’s turnovers in the second quarter.
Lewis Franz’s clever toe-poke got the ball rolling for the Saints, while Larkin’s fourth goal for the afternoon capped off another impressive quarter for the home side.
The Bloods could only manage another two majors for the term and were in desperate trouble at the main break as they headed into half time 52 points behind.
With a heavy loss on the cards, Lalor had nothing to lose in a bid to get back into the game as the third quarter got underway.
Despite Page kicked his third for the game to start the second half, some magic from Christopher seemed to inspire the Bloods and kick-started their best period for the game.
Four unanswered goals gave Lalor all the momentum as they cut the margin back to under five goals.
However, a late goal to Larkin seemed to halt the Bloods’ charge heading into three quarter time, as the Saints went into the break with a 39-point advantage.
Christopher kicked his third goal early into the last quarter, aiming to spark enough belief in his side that they could pull off a comeback win for the second-consecutive week.
However, Watsonia was soon able to steady and led by Adrian Alfonsi, the Saints piled on the next four goals to put the game beyond any doubt – eventually taking a percentage-boosting win.
Watsonia has the big task of taking on top of the table North Heidelberg at Shelley Reserve in Round 11, while Lalor returns home to Lalor Reserve to host Lower Plenty.
Final score: Watsonia 18.16 (124) def Lalor 9.5 (59)
Photo by Scott Muir
