The last post, national anthem, three yellow cards, the NFL CEO watching on, a strong wind, a two-point win to Epping and even the Haka before the game!
Lower Plenty had the wind in the first quarter and used it to its advantage, kicking five goals to nil, with Billy Barden dominating in the air and kicking two goals. Reece Geary was giving Lower Plenty drive out of the backline and by the end of the quarter the score was 34 to 1.
At quarter time Bears coach Vin Dattoli was happy with the start. He felt they controlled the air, and their running and handball behind the game was working well. He finished by stressing the need to not drop off.
Mario Bandera wanted his Epping mids to work both ways and the whole team needed to improve their accountability.
It was now Epping’s chance with the wind and it had lots of chances, however was only able to kick three goals. Josh Totino, Simon Kefalas, Luke Lirosi and Matt Garland came into the game and the scores could have been even, with Lower Plenty going goalless in the quarter. At half time it was 39 to 26 in Lower’s favour.
The third quarter was a more even contest with the wind less of a factor. Darcy Barden, Andrew Phelan, Matthew Vasilevski and Ben Buller were leading the way for Lower Plenty, and Les Adams, Daniel Santoro, Sean Bolger and Brendon Keating were keeping Epping in touch.
At three quarter time Lower had a 20-point lead. Dattoli wanted his boys to hit targets, lift their intensity and increase their tackling pressure. In a highly-emotional address Bandera urged his team to stop blazing away, and made it clear they were beating Lower in the one on one contests. His final point to the team was if they played man on man they would win.
The last quarter was amazing with 10 goals, 50-metre penalties, shots and misses in front of goal and a number of lead changes. At the 12-minute mark Epping gave away a 50-metre penalty which resulted in a certain goal to Lower Plenty – putting the home side 26 points ahead.
At this point you could not see Epping coming back, but comeback they did – led by Josh Totino who kicked three goals in a best on ground performance.
At the 26 minute-mark Epping had the lead for the first time in the game and was looking the stronger team. Lower Plenty was not finished with yet and scored again to snatch the lead back. Epping came again and were in front at the 30-minute mark by two points.
Lower pushed forward and received a free kick, 10 metres out on 45 degree angle to possibly win the game at the 31 and half minute mark of the quarter. However they could only manage a point. The ball was locked in the Lower Plenty forward 50 for the last minute and Epping came away with a famous two-point victory.
Final score: Lower Plenty 11.17 (83) def by Epping 12.13 (85)
