Heidelberg continued to push its case for a top-three finish as it comprehensively beat Greensborough at War Memorial Park.
After a lively first term from Greensborough – who led by four points at quarter time – it was all Heidelberg thereafter as it controlled the game on its way to a 17.15 (117) to 10.14 (74) victory.
Greensborough’s poor accuracy on goal in the first half (4.11) cost it the lead at half time and eventually came back to haunt it in the second half against a more efficient Heidelberg.
The Tigers stepped up the intensity in the second half which the Boro could not match. A five-goal haul from forward Chaz Sargeant put the game beyond doubt at three quarter time as the Tigers continued their improved run of form.
Along with Sargeant, Rhys Healey provided a tall marking option forward for the Tigers, kicking three goals, while Jess Sinclair added two majors despite spending more time up the ground in a very open and attacking Tigers forward line.
Sargeant, Lance Oswald, Michael Finn, Jamie Allen, Justin Murphy and Healey were among the Tigers best. Oswald and Allen were able to win large amounts of the ball out of the middle; Murphy was at his best along the half back line while Finn was dominant in the ruck battle and racked up the disposal numbers of a midfielder.
The Tigers tough month of footy continues with games against the top two sides – Bundoora and Montmorency – to come in the following weeks, however it will be held in good stead by two solid wins in the past fortnight.
While Greensborough’s recent losses against Northcote Park, Montmorency and Bundoora were all considered honourable losses, their performance against the Tigers left a lot to be desired. The Boro will again feel as though they can match it with the top four sides, but appear unable to put together a four-quarter effort to muster an upset win.
Poor kicking on goal in the first half, a lack of run in the second half and poor disposal efficiency when kicking inside forward 50m left the Boro well short of a victory on a day where they were well beaten.
Tristan Stead was kept quiet by Heidelberg midfielder Michael Brunelli, who appears to be the preferred stopper for the Tigers and among the best in the competition.
Again in the absence of Tim Bongetti, Rhys Boyden was left to shoulder the responsibility of key forward for the Boro. His three goals were a reasonable return, however he was beaten by Tigers full back Jarryd Smith for most of the day.
For the Boro, Ricky Mullins, Drew Wilson, Luke Stanton and Josh Griffiths were among their better players on a reasonably disappointing day.
Greensborough must now bounce back in a must-win clash against West-Preston-Lakeside at J.E Moore Park to get itself back inside the top five. A game against second-placed Bundoora at Yulong Reserve awaits Heidelberg, where a win would put it on level points with the Bulls.
Final scores: Greensborough 10.14 (74) def by Heidelberg 17.15 (117)
