Banyule’s dominant eight-goal first term was enough to keep Epping out of the game in their Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 Round 2 clash at R.J. Brockwell Oval.
The 13.8 (86) to 10.12 (72) result ensured the Bears went into the Easter break atop the ladder with a 2-0 record.
Intensity was high early with both sides desperate to get off to a good start. However both sides missed a few chances early.
As the wind picked up, Banyule took advantage and began to pile on the goals, with Daniel Kelly opening the account with the first major from a set shot.
Epping managed to score two goals against the strong breeze, however the visitors couldn’t contain Banyule’s surge thereafter.
Banyule’s accuracy proved crucial as it piled on the next seven goals to lead by 35 points at quarter time.
Banyule started the second quarter by playing the game on its terms. While dictating the play, the home side was unable to capitalise on the scoreboard, kicking only one goal for the quarter.
Young guns Mikey Edwards and Artan Cabdi were impressive, racking up plenty of the ball and disposing of it well as Banyule took a 30-point lead into half time.
Epping managed to tighten up its defence with Michael Robertson and Shane Wood standing tall in high pressure situations.
The third term was tightly contested early and Epping managed to get on top and kick the first two goals. Aaron Willitts was dangerous up forward for the Blues and ended the day with three majors.
With the game delicately placed during a terrific quarter of footy, Cabdi managed to slot a crucial goal from the boundary before three quarter time to enable his side to hold a 30-point lead going into the last term.
As the coaches addressed their teams, dark clouds emerged over the ground and rain set in within a few minutes of the fourth term.
Epping managed to get out of the gates early, kicking the first goal, however Banyule proved to be too strong and managed to kick the next two.
While Epping attempted to stage a late comeback, inaccurate kicking and poor decision-making didn’t allow them to get close enough to truly threaten a come-from-behind win, despite kicking the last three goals.
The standouts for Banyule were Brandon Henness, Nicholas Biscontin and James Kroussoratis, who kicked 3 majors.
For Epping, Alec Buchan put in another great performance and was clearly his side’s best player, while Thomas Hughes and Paul Dempsey were also impressive.
When the action resumes after the Easter break Banyule will face a St Mary’s outfit looking to make a statement after being defeated by Epping by three points in the opening round.
Epping will play its first home match of the year when it hosts fierce rival South Morang.
Final score: Banyule 13.8 (86) def Epping 10.12 (72)
