Banyule remain the only undefeated side in MC Labour Division 2, after pulling away in the second half to defeat Diamond Creek by 20-points at Coventry Oval.
While the Bears welcomed the return of Ricky Dyson, it was another man who was playing his first game of the year, Tim Martin, who had the biggest impact on the 10.3 (63) to 12.11 (83) win.
In his first appearance since July last year, Martin put in an impressive display as he was dominant in the ruck contest, as well as around the ground, with the Bears midfield getting first use from clearances it would prove the difference in the end result.
Having kicked five goals in round 2, Jack Langford was impressive again up forward finishing the day with two goals.
He’d form a good partnership with Lachlan Turner who led the scoring for the Bears with three majors. Having kicked four goals in the reserves in a fortnight ago, he’d repay the faith, stepping up in the second half with two crucial goals in the final term after being held goalless in the first half.
Though amassing plenty of inside 50s throughout the day, the Bears weren’t as productive with the ball inside their forward 50, with the Creekers back-six proving a difficult task for the visitors to kick goals against, particularly early.
Jai Norman, Thomas Bennett and Tyler Barnes were named in the best for Diamond Creek, all of whom were impressive in the gallant loss. Norman put had his best performance of season thus far, finishing the day with four goals. Bennett and Barnes meanwhile were encouraging in the midfield.
Banyule’s midfielders Jacob Mitchell, Liam Chambers and Adam Carafa were excellent and kept up their good starts to the season.
Despite the Bears conceding the opening two goals of the game, Paul Harris’ men fought back to lead by eight points at quarter time.
But the Bears would once again concede the opening two goals of the second quarter. Down by 10 points nearing half time, James Kayrooz, who’d been well contained after having kicked nine goals in the opening two rounds, would mark and goal after the half time siren.
Against the run of play, it would lift the spirits for Banyule heading into the main break, as they came out a different side in the third quarter. Eager to keep their undefeated start to the season unharmed, Banyule looked a more desperate outfit and lifting their intensity, they’d kick the first three goals of the quarter.
Ahead by three goals at the final change, the Bears ultimately did enough to fight off a resurgent Diamond Creek outfit. Pleased to finish the first three rounds unscathed, the Creekers will also be encouraged with their start to the campaign given their tough draw.
Banyule will face their most challenging task yet, when they host the white hot Lower Plenty next Saturday while Diamond Creek face off against Epping.
