West Preston-Lakeside registered its second win of the season, beating Epping in a potentially season-saving victory at J.E Moore Park on Saturday.
The Roosters shook off some early nerves to storm home to win 18.12 (126) 11.6 (72).
With both sides languishing near the bottom of the ladder, the heat was turned up on Saturday, with both desperate for the points to turn their disappointing early season form around.
Epping’s major problem all season has been its inability to keep its opposition to a respectable score. Heading in, the Blues had conceded an average of 123 points per game and had only conceded less than 100 once this season – that being their victory over Lower Plenty.
On the other hand, West Preston had been one of the competition’s biggest sliders. After being one of the powerhouse clubs in Division 1 over the past three seasons, the side had slumped to a 1-4 win-loss record and were struggling to cope with the loss of a number of key players.
The Roosters started positively against the Blues, and kicked the first goal through Alex Gleeson after some great handpassing through the middle of the ground and effective kicking skills. But Epping hit back with two of its own through Peter Shepherd and Matthew Garland.
There were a couple of goal exchanges but Epping stood strong to go into quarter time with a six-point lead. It was a tightly contested quarter with the Roosters controlling early play, but Epping fought back and headed into the second term full of confidence.
However, it was West Preston came out firing in the second term and kicked the first five goals.
It was a quick game, with the ball moving rapidly from end to end. Epping did hit back with two quick goals to peg back some momentum, but it was short lived with Glenn Robertson kicking his third of eight goals to give the Roosters a 21-point lead at half time.
Epping had less of the football in the opening half, but when it did have possession it did punished West Preston with quick, slick ball movement through the wings.
The visitors came out firing after half time, kicking the first two goals through centre clearances and forward pressure to reduce the margin to nine points. But West Preston hit back with two quick ones. A couple more goal exchanges saw out the quarter with the Roosters taking a commanding 28-point lead into the final term.
West Preston dominated the final term from start to the end, outscoring Epping by seven goals to three. Epping just ran out of legs and couldn’t hold off a determined West Preston outfit.
Robertson was the star for the Roosters, kicking eight goals and nearly single-handedly outscoring the Epping outfit. He was followed by Pece Micevski, who was dominant in the middle and Andries Jurgen who won the ruck duel.
Garland was Epping’s shining light, kicking four goals up forward. Joshua Stavely was supportive in the middle and Shane Wood controlled Epping’s backline.
The win places West Preston in sixth on the table, one game outside the top five. Epping is anchored in second-last and is stuck in the relegation scrap.
West Preston this week takes on Lower Plenty at home, whilst Epping plays Greensborough at home in a tough encounter which could decide its fate for the season.
Final score: West Preston-Lakeside 18.12 (126) def Epping 11.6 (72)
