Thomastown bounced back in a big way on Good Friday, comfortably defeating MC Labour Division 2 rivals Epping by 99-points at Main Street Recreation Reserve.
The impressive forward tandem of Matthew Tang and Benjamin Nesci as well as an enormous performance from big man Jarryd Coulson helped the Bears record their first win of the 2022 season.
Tang and Nesci caused headaches for the Blues back six throughout the day, with Epping’s defence having no answers to stop the duo. They finished the afternoon with 11 goals between them, Tang with seven and Nesci with five, while Salvatore Mamone was also impressive up forward with five goals of his own; the forward line the most productive it has been all season.
Yet to look out of place having made the jump up to Division 2, Coulson put in another impressive display, getting the better of Blues’ ruck Clark Sloan in the air and around the ground. Also pushing forward to kick two goals, Coulson had a massive say in the outcome, doing as he pleased around the ground and ensured the Bears midfield got first use out of the middle.
Adam Rose, Ben Rowan and Leigh Judd were named in the best for Epping in what was a disappointing day for the visitors.
The Bears had already produced a good recent record against the Blues heading into this clash, and the early moments of the game suggested that the home side were going to repeat their efforts from last year, with a six goal to one opening quarter.
Lawrence Lopiccolo and Tyrone Leonardis were excellent around the ball, continuing from their good form last week, and with the forward line not missing a beat, Mario Bandera’s men led by 34 points at the first change which set the tone for the afternoon.
Not much changed in the second quarter as Thomastown pounced at every opportunity. Inaccurate by foot, the Blues were made to pay, with the Bears getting plenty of scoring opportunities as a result of turnovers.
Down by 67 points midway through the second term, things got from bad to worse for the Blues with Alec Buchan stretchered off with an ankle injury. However, in what was a positive for the Blues, they went on to kick the final two goals of the quarter to go into half time with some momentum, albeit still 55 points behind.
Epping’s spirited showing would be short lived as Thomastown started the second half strong out of the gates. They kicked six goals in quick succession to shut the door on any slim chance of a comeback and headed into the final change up by 99 points.
After being on the end of two losses, the Bears were eager to get back on the winners list with a percentage boosting performance, and on two occasions the side would lead by more than 100 points, before the Blues, who kicked three goals in three quarters, managed to kick another three in the final term as Adrian Cirianni, Ben Rowan and James Tadd all booted majors to avoid the deficit staying at triple figures.
Both sides will have the week off before Thomastown face the Fitzroy Stars while Epping will deal with another difficult challenge when they take on Diamond Creek.
