The win at Montmorency Park was the Cougars’ second for the season and moved them into sixth place on the ladder after five rounds.
Northcote Park was just too good for Lower Plenty in the first term, as they opened up an early lead and proceeded to meet every challenge the Bears threw at them.
The Cougars were impressive on the rebound, making the most of opportunities they were given. Their quick and efficient movement on the small ground allowed them to hit the scoreboard heavily, finishing with 20 goals for the game.
Lower Plenty on the other hand will be ruing a second poor start in as many weeks. That combined with poor disposal at times had them plying catch up football all day.
Northcote Park burst out of the blocks in the first quarter and, making use of a three-goal wind, was able to pile on six goals for the quarter. While the Bears were competitive at the contest, it was their disposal that hurt them on the outside. The Cougars pounced on their mistakes and their spread from these situations cut open Lower Plenty.
In the second quarter Northcote Park continued to stack on the goals. kicking four of the first five to extend to a 42-point lead. Lower Plenty was struggling to find a target as all three of their goals had come from Billy Barden, who was not even their main forward. Just as in the first quarter, it was the Cougars skill that kept them on top; on multiple occasions they were able to punish the Bears on the transition.
After the half Lower Plenty had some work to do if they were to reign in the six-goal lead and they started well courtesy of Billy Barden’s fourth and fifth goals.
However, before the Bears could gain momentum Guneyt Ozusen goaled to keep the home team in check.
The momentum then swung between the teams for the remainder of the quarter, but as they had done throughout the game it was the Cougars who were able to capitalise keep retaining their six-goal lead.
If the Bears were any chance in the last quarter they had to kick the first goal, however Mitchell Papas dashed any hopes kicking the first for Northcote Park.
From there the Cougars kicked three of the next four to put the game beyond doubt. Clint Monger and Nathan Hendry were able to kick the last two goals for Lower Plenty but they were only a consolation.
The best for Northcote Park was Nyaburu Kelly who starred in his second game for the club. Although the Cougars won the game with their outside ball use, it was his excellent contested work that allowed the runners to receive the ball.
One of the main beneficiaries of this was Jake Mills, who lead the way with his run and carry while his great disposal was able to slice through the Bears.
As for Lower Plenty, Billy Barden led the way with five goals which were also paired with some solid contested work when he moved through the midfield. Hugh Kavanagh was also impressive and was able to gather a lot of ball off the half back line, as well as providing great tackling pressure.
Final score: Lower Plenty 13.12 (90) def by Northcote Park 20.13 (133)
