While games were close in Round 14 of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 for a while, the higher-placed teams ran away for easy wins in the end.
It had been a very tough week for Epping following the passing of Nathan Fitzgerald. While the reserves team did not take the field on Saturday, the seniors bravely stepped onto the park to face Heidelberg West at Epping Recreational Reserve.
As well as the entire day being one step in the healing process for the entire club, it was also a vital game for the Hawks as they aim for their maiden finals appearance
The Blues were very good early and led at quarter time after kicking against the wind. Heidelberg West then stepped up in the second term kicking into the wind and set up the win, kicking four goals to one.
The Hawks dominated early in the third term, blew the lead out to 36 points and eventually ran out 39-point winners.
“It was a tough day,” said Heidelberg West coach Michael Missen. “We had sympathy and compassion for Epping. We also needed to focus on the job at hand. It was a strong team performance. We executed out roles and stood up when it mattered.”
Missen was with the clean ball use if Michael Italia as well as the contributions of Brad Moore, Nick Paton and Ronald Fejo. Up forward Waylon Davey and Bryce Barnes took their opportunities with four goals apiece. At the other end, Mitch Thompson held the dangerous Daniel Rakhlin to three majors.
“I’m proud of the boys turning up to play footy for Fitzy,” said Epping coach Brad Hollow who gave credit to Brent Macaffer, Leigh Judd, Jii Dickinson and Jude Georgievski.
While the Blues players put in all day, the score seemed of secondary importance and a large crowd stayed after the game, while the scoreboard showed a tribute to Nathan. The club won many admirers for they way they conducted the day.
Ivanhoe took on Kilmore at Ivanhoe Park. The Blues were up for the challenge early and trailed by only 13-points at half time. After the break, the Hoers booted seven goals in each term to win by 83 points and keep their perfect record intact.
“I thought the Kilmore won the first half despite the scoreboard; credit to them,” said Ivanhoe coach Wayne Schultz. “Credit to our boys for responding with our work around the contest after half time, which got things on our terms to finish off strongly.” Schultz praised the work of Riley Loton on the inside, while liking the work of Joel Kleiman, Connor O’Brien and Aaron Marks on the outside.
The Blues improved almost ten goals from their last meeting with Ivanhoe and it was a great test for the young side.
“The boys went out, really applied pressure and executed the game plan,” said Kilmore coach Mick Marrett. “After half time a couple of things didn’t go our way. The boys continued to work but were overrun by a very talented and well-drilled team.”
Both coaches liked the effort of Chris Barton, while Marrett also appreciated the games of Caleb Newport, Ryan Knight and Will O’Dwyer-Richards who kicked two goals.
Kinglake travelled to Waterview Reserve to clash with Mernda. It was a tight tussle for three quarters and the Lakers led by a point at the last break. The Demons had a great last term with the wind and kicked nine unanswered goals to win by 56 points. Matthew Bawden, Riley Black and James Sekulovski each booted three goals in the win, while Zach Ciacia and Billy Morrison excelled.
Mason McAllister, Liam Lucas and Angus Forde performed well for Kinglake.
Laurimar hosted Old Eltham Collegians at Laurimar Reserve. The Turtles led by a point at quarter time, but the Power kicked 5.4 to 1.0 in the second term to take a strangle hold on the game and go on to prevail by 76 points.
“Not the best footy today, but credit to Old Eltham Collegians who pressured the footy all day”, said Laurimar coach Jimmy Atkins. “Yet another good win and we look forward to the next challenge.”
Liam Waldron, Stephen McCallum and Noah Mooney contributed well for the Power, with Waldron kicking four goals.
“Laurimar is a well-drilled team that works for each other and have trust in their teammates,” said Old Eltham Collegians coach Stewart McCallum. “Considering that we are a very young team, I was very impressed with the pressure we put on them which caused more stoppages. Games like this are great for our players to learn. I was pleased with their effort against a very strong team.”
Connor Pilatti, Daniel Hallett and Reuben Thomson led the way for the Turtles.
Watsonia took on Reservoir at Binnak Park in a game with huge implications in terms of the fight for finals spots. In a similar vein to other games on the day, it was a tight contest early and the Mustangs led by a goal at quarter time.
The visiting team gradually got on top after that. Dean Jeffrey kicked three goals in as many minutes in the third quarter to put a space between his team and the Saints. Reservoir went on to win by 53 points.
Jeffrey ended up with four majors, along with Aaron Edwards. The goal-kicking ladder is tight at the top. Daniel Rakhlin now leads on 49 goals to lead Patrick Fitzgerald by a goal. Edwards is a further three goals behind on 45. The chase for top spot might go down to the wire.
Josh Grabowski and Mark Ferraro impressed for the Mustangs. Charlie Smythe, Ryan Talarico and Luke Sansonetti were among the best for Watsonia
Ivanhoe and Laurimar have the top two spots locked away on twelve wins. The next group is a close race. Reservoir and Mernda have eight wins, a game ahead of both Watsonia and Heidelberg West on seven. Those four teams will fight it out for positions three, four and five in the coming weeks.
