EPPING held on to top spot on the Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 ladder with a 12-point victory over Watsonia in Round 10.
Strong performances from Aaron Willitts and Leigh Judd, along with a positive debut from Dallyce Taylor, contributed to the Blues’ 8.13 (61) to 7.7 (49) win at Epping Recreation Reserve.
Hayden Mitchell was impressive for Watsonia and finished with two goals. However it wasn’t enough for the Saints, as they slumped to their fifth consecutive loss to Epping since Round 8 last year.
Epping’s triumph meant that they maintained top spot on the Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 ladder over Mernda on percentage, while the defeat sees Watsonia drop out of the top four following South Morang’s tight win over St Mary’s.
Tough and scrappy conditions were the setting for the afternoon and it was the visitors who looked the more dangerous early, keeping Epping’s defence on its toes.
Tom McCluskey was able to convert one of many Watsonia set shots to open the scoring in the match before that was cancelled out by debutant Taylor’s strong contested mark and goal.
Tensions began to heat up late in the term with yellow cards issued and at quarter time the Saints had a two-point advantage.
Epping coach Greg Whitcroft expected more of his team in the quarter time huddle and told his players to “move the ball quicker” and to “use your voice” in the second quarter.
The Blues had a dream start upon the resumption of play as Taylor kicked his second after again working into a good position, before Thomas Sullivan opened his account immediately after to give the Blues a 10-point lead.
As light rain began to fall midway through the quarter, the visitors were able to peg one back through Harry Walker. However, a wonderful snap and goal from Josh Stavley ensured the home side held a 14-point lead at half time.
Watsonia came out strongly as the third quarter commenced. Hayden Mitchell bagged his first major before another to Andrew Kidd reduced the margin to three points.
Just as the momentum was swinging in the visitor’s favour, Aaron Willitts stepped up and kicked two in a row after missing three set shots earlier in the match.
As the rain began falling more heavily Mitchell continued to apply scoreboard pressure by kicking his second, but a soccer goal from Kevin Kiernan late in the term put the Blues 18 points in front at three quarter time.
Watsonia coach Corey McCall still had faith his side could pinch a win, telling his troops to “play to win at all costs” in the final quarter.
Nearing the midway point of the quarter, Walker calmly kicked his second major before Xavier Kelly composed himself and kicked truly to reduce the deficit to five points.
As the game went into time on, two important Epping behinds were kicked to extend the lead beyond a goal, before a 50-metre penalty was given against the visitors. Willitts’ conversion proved to be the sealer as the Blues held on for a 12-point win.
Epping will be fancied to keep hold of first place when it takes on Kilmore at J.J. Clancy Reserve in Round 11, while Watsonia will be fighting to regain a place in the top four when it battles with sixth-placed Banyule at R.J. Brockwell Reserve.
Final score: Epping 8.13 (61) def Watsonia 7.7 (49)
