THOMASTOWN won the Division 2 reserves premiership for the second successive season, defeating Hurstbridge by two points.
The Bears took advantage of their chances and, despite having eight less scoring shots than the Bridges, were able to come away 8.6 (54) to 6.16 (52) win at Preston City Oval.
Skipper Robert Barbara was judged best afield by the umpires whilst Nicholas Fiore and Shannon Ball were both vital to the win.
For the Bridges, Jack Donnelly tried his best to will his side over the line with two last-quarter goals, while Josh Saw, Tieren Barbera and Bryce Mullane were also influential as the Bridges fought their way back.
Donnelly was the only multiple goal scorer of the match, with four teammate chipping in singles.
The Bears had eight different goal scorers throughout the match, highlighting the effort from the entire side that won them the premiership.
Thomastown got out to the perfect start as Ben Talevski was awarded a 50-metre penalty within a minute and converted.
Both sides took a couple of minutes to settle in, and it was Hurstbridge who was able to kick the next goal through Michael Harper.
However, Thomastown was able to get two quick majors before the first break through Michael Collier and Chris Higgins, after the quarter time siren, to take a 12-point lead into the first break.
The second term was played completely on Hurstbridge’s terms, but the Bridges just couldn’t impact the scoreboard despite their dominance.
Hurstbridge booted 0.8 for the quarter, which included a number of misses from close range, whilst Nathan Gravina Ates converted Thomastown’s lone shot on goal.
The trend continued for a frustrated Hurstbridge side in the third term as they kicked another four behinds to go into the final term with a wasteful 1.13, to trail by 27 points at the last change.
The Bears were also slightly inaccurate in the third quarter, but goals to Costa Missailidis, Tristain Harrower and Chris Zabrieszach extended the margin to what looked an unassailable lead.
Hurstbridge came out inspired after the final change, believing it could pinch the win.
A goal to Donnelly within the first five minutes gave his side a big confidence boost after 14 straight behinds.
Jake Grey responded for the Bears, however quick goals at the other end to Barbera and Donnelly cut Hurstbridge’s deficit to 14 points.
With all momentum going Hurstbridge’s way, two more goals to Josh Saw and Kyle Thompson just as time on began got the Bridges within two points – making for a tense finale to the premiership decider.
However, Thomastown was able to fight off a barrage of late chances as players and supporters of the Bears rejoiced following the final siren.
Final score: Hurstbridge 6.16 (52) def by Thomastown 8.6 (54)
