HEIDELBERG continued its undefeated season with a comfortable 30-point win over Greensborough at Warringal Park in Round 10 of Meadows Greyhounds Division 1.
The 12.13 (85) to 7.13 (55) scalp sits the Tigers four wins and percentage ahead of their closest rivals on the ladder, heading into the final eight rounds of the home and away season.
The Boro’s second-straight defeat saw them move to 6-4 and slip to third place on the ladder, percentage behind second-placed Macleod.
Adam Symes starred up forward for Heidelberg, booting a game-high four goals and marking everything that came his way. Ruckman Sam Gilmore also stretched the Boro defence, kicking three goals as the only other multiple goal kicker on the ground.
Finals-like intensity was prominent from the get-go and the contested area of the game was crucial for both sides. It was Heidelberg who got the better of its opponent in that aspect, thanks largely to James Magner.
Both teams were able to spread from the clearances well and had the intention of burning the opposition with quick ball movement, but turnovers from both sides gave the game a see-sawing effect.
Paul Bower and Josh Gribben held their own in defence for the Tigers, as Luke Hodgkin and Charles Gaylard dominated through the centre of the ground with countless forward-50 entries.
Speed and class on the outside is what got the job done for the Tigers, who took the game on through the middle of the ground whenever an opportunity arose.
Josh Griffiths was the Boro’s best player, breaking lines and taking the game on with every opportunity he got. Nick Carnell, Chris Clark and Ricky Mullins were all damaging at times throughout the game and gave the Boro drive through the midfield.
After plenty of early stoppages, it was Gaylard who opened the game up with a long kick forward landing in the hands of Gilmore, who stood tall and marked over the top of Daniel McLinden to slot the first goal of the game.
A counter-attacking goal through Clark evened things up for the Boro, before Gilmore got on the end of another Gaylard ball forward to kick his second goal.
Jarrod Hodgkin and Nick Miller were able to extend the Tigers’ margin further after dominating the middle stages of the opening term.
However, Greensborough ran out the quarter the hardest and two late goals through Carnell and Josh Callaway brought the the margin back to just seven points at quarter time.
Heidelberg lifted its intensity in the second term and it was all about Adam Symes, who managed to kick all of his four goals in the quarter.
Other than Symes capitalising on his opportunities, the Tigers missed many shots on goal and could have had the game all but over.
The Boro stayed in the contest with goals to Griffiths and Jacob Ireland, trailing the Tigers by 29 points at the main break.
With the third quarter came a free-flowing fast game of footy, but both sides were unable to punish the other with scoreboard pressure.
Though Greensborough had the better of the quarter, turnovers were the only thing keeping them from possibly overrunning the Tigers. The Boro kicked four behinds for the quarter – following an early goal to Gilmore.
Greensborough came out in the final quarter with every intent of winning the game despite trailing by 36 points at the last change of ends, and was getting on top in many key aspects.
The first five scoring shots for the Boro were all behinds however, and a quick rebound goal through Gaylard ended the visitor’s chances of a comeback.
The Tigers managed to hold off their visitors thereafter to charge to their 10th consecutive victory.
Heidelberg will travel to Yulong Reserve in Round 11 as it takes on fourth-placed Bundoora.
Greensborough will look to make it two in a row against reigning premier Macleod in the second rematch of last year’s grand final at De Winton Park.
Final score: Heidelberg 12.13 (85) def Greensborough 7.13 (55)
Photo by Nathan McNeil
