WATSONIA climbed into the top four for the first time since Round 5 with a 62-point win over Kilmore at A.K. Lines Reserve in Round 9 of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
The game was significantly delayed by a serious leg injury to Kilmore’s centre half back Michael McCulloch in the third term. The final two quarters were shortened to allow the game to finish at 5:00pm in fading light.
“I really feel for Kilmore,” Watsonia coach Corey McCall said after the sickening injury. But McCall said he was pleased with a great performance in the first half – with accurate kicking as well – which set up the win.
“Our early pressure was good and carried on from last week,” Kilmore coach Travis McCarty said. “However, when the game was up for grabs in the second quarter, Watsonia took control.”
Mernda surged late in the game to snatch a two-point win over South Morang in a see-sawing match of the day at Waterview Recreation Reserve. The loss ended the Lions’ five game winning run and saw them drop to fifth place on the ladder.
St Mary’s ended a two-game losing streak when it drew away in the second half to defeat Heidelberg West by 61 points at Whatmough Park. The final margin belies the early struggles the Burra had prior to gaining the upper hand.
“The positive showing proves that we can compete with the better sides,” Heidelberg West coach Grant Toms said. “We just need to do it for four quarters. We are improving and on the up.”
St Mary’s coach Con Borg noted the Hawks could have been well in front early had they been slicker with their skills.
“For the sixth week straight we had a slow start,” Borg said. “We had an honest discussion at half time and the guys reacted positively – the way you hope a good side does.”
Banyule’s finals hopes took a massive hit when it let a 32-point half time lead slip in losing to Epping by eight points at R.J. Brockwell Oval. The Bears are now three wins behind fourth-placed Watsonia.
“Late in the second term, we had a chance to take control of the game,” Banyule coach Jason Plant said. “We didn’t take it. Whether it was mental or physical – we will analyse that.”
“After half time, our pressure acts got us back into the game and helped get us over the line,” Epping coach Greg Whitcroft said after the win, which kept the Blues atop the table on percentage.
Banyule becomes the first team to make two trips to J.J. Clancy Reserve to play Kilmore on June 18 after the Division 3 bye.
The Bears won the previous encounter by 40 points and face another must-win game to keep their slim finals chances alive. Kilmore has proven to be a tough team to beat on its home ground.
Mernda travels to Heidelberg Park for the second time this season to take on Heidelberg West.
The Hawks look to have improved since the Round 4 clash when the Demons won by 149 points. But Mernda will still be hot favourite in a match which could help it go to top spot.
The other two matches will help to shape things in the top four.
Watsonia will have plenty of confidence as it heads to Epping Recreation Reserve to take on Epping. The Saints have won three in a row – with the most impressive victory an away win over St Mary’s.
The Blues themselves are on a five-game winning streak, which began with a 31-point win over the Saints at A.K. Lines Reserve. But they have lived dangerously recently, trailing very late in their past two wins over St Mary’s and Banyule. A win is almost certainly necessary to retain first place.
The Saints could find themselves either out of the four or two games clear of fifth, depending on other results. The next four weeks against finals contenders will be vital for their finals chances.
Fifth-placed South Morang will be keen to get back on the winners’ list when it hosts St Mary’s at Mill Park Lakes Reserve. The Burra won their last tussle when leading by six goals at the last change and hanging on to win by 16 points.
A win is critical for the Lions in order to keep in touch with the higher placed clubs. The Burra would love another win as they begin a month of tough match-ups.
