Thomastown kept its slim MC Labour Division 2 finals hopes alive after recording a crucial come from behind victory over Watsonia at Main Street Recreation Reserve.
Trailing by 22 points at three quarter time, the Bears used the strong breeze behind them to kick six goals to nil in the final term and storm home to prevail 11.12 (78) to 8.11 (59).
Having been on the losing end of numerous honourable losses this season, the Bears wouldn’t be denied this time around and as a result, now sit 10 points adrift from the top five.
With the fifth placed St Mary’s facing three consecutive matches against top five sides and with Thomastown playing two bottom five sides in their next three matches, the Bears could be playing the Burra for a finals spot in the last game of the season if results go their way.
The Saints will still fancy themselves to make a finals appearance, sitting two games away from the Burra, but will need to win at least three of their last four matches if they’re to apply any significant pressure.
Having put in an impressive body of work in recent weeks off the half back, Tyla Barrow was stellar again in the backline for the Bears. The rebounding defender was crucial with his run and carry, playing a vital role in the win.
Bears captain Josh Beare was brilliant, he too played as important part in the win with teammates Jarryd Coulson and Luca Gioskos also playing well.
Having kicked 16 goals in the last three weeks, Anthony Capeci led the scoring charge once again for the home side, kicking three majors to bring his season tally to 38 goals.
For the Saints, Benjamin McKenzie played well in the side’s losing effort, dropping back and taking several intercept marks while also helping drive the side’s attack further afield at times to.
Another standout for the Saints was Kobe Van Zwienen who had a great day in midfield, getting plenty of the ball and impacting the contest whenever he was in the vicinity.
The wind would play a major factor in the contest and both the Bears and Saints taking full advantage of the conditions. Fortunately for the Bears, they’d be the ones who have the wind on their side in the final term.
Thomastown had a bright start to the game despite the heavy wind playing against them, as Coulson ran into the open goal to kick the first of the afternoon before the Saints wrestled back momentum to lead by 10 points at the first change.
The Bears then regained control of the match, kicking three goals to one to take a six-point lead at the main break before then going goalless and conceding four majors in the third term to trail by 22 points.
Having been impressive down in defence, Vasilevski scored the first goal of the final term to give his side belief. It would ultimately provide the spark his side required as Michael Tang and Salvatore Mamone converted majors in quick succession before Capeci snapped cleverly to give his side the lead.
Shannon Ball then put through the sealer with Tang scoring his second goal after the siren to cap off a brilliant performance by Thomastown.
