There were huge implications for finals spots in Round 16 action of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
Laurimar and Reservoir battled it out at Laurimar Reserve. The Power took control of the game, going on to prevail by 60 points after a dominant third term. It was an ideal lead-in for their upcoming top of the table clash with Ivanhoe next week.
“It was a really good win,” said Laurimar coach Jimmy Atkins. “I thought we used the ball very well. We didn’t capitalise on our opportunities early but got a roll on in the third. It was a pretty inexperienced side on the park for us today, but they all stood up.”
Patrick Fitzgerald kicked seven majors for the victors, while Aaron Edwards slotted four up the other end. Fitzgerald has all but sewn up the goal-kicking award now, with 65 goals. Edwards and Daniel Rakhlin are tussling for second, with both currently on 51.
Cooper Fitzpatrick was among the best for the Power for the second time in the past three games and he booted three majors.
The loss consigns Reservoir to fourth spot on the table but, after playing the top two teams, easier games against Heidelberg West and Old Eltham Collegians are to follow.
“We’ve played well over the past two weeks, but it’s hard to string four quarters of footy together against the top sides,” said Reservoir coach Joe Palazzolo. “We look to bounce back in the next two weeks and hopefully have a push for finals for the first time since 2015.”
Jack Sandric and Ashton Reid impressed for the Mustangs, while the Grabowski brothers Joah and Nick each booted two goals.
Epping and Kinglake had a fascinating contest at Epping Recreational Reserve. With both teams encountering difficulties in recent times, it shaped as a vital match in terms of snapping a losing sequence before both teams have the bye. The Lakers dominated the second term to take a 13-point lead into the main break.
The Blues hit back hard in the third quarter and led by seven points at three quarter time. After the home team kicked the first major of the final term, Kinglake nailed three in four minutes to retake the lead.
But Epping steadied to prevail by 11 points. It came as a great relief to the entire club as they head to the bye.
“It’s been a tough couple of weeks, but the boys persisted and worked hard to get the victory before the end of the season,” said Epping coach Brad Hollow. “They’ve earned their win.”
Hollow gave huge credit to Brent Macaffer who worked extra hard when needed, while Josh Bawden got a special mention for kicking two critical goals in the final quarter.
The Lakers are now on a seven-game losing streak, all on the road. They will enjoy a rest this weekend before taking on Watsonia to round out the season.
Lalor faced off against Ivanhoe at Lalor Reserve. The Hoers won well, as expected, to the tune of 159 points.
With a couple of regular players not playing for Ivanhoe, a few regular reserves players had a chance to push for senior selection as the finals approach.
Ivanhoe coach Wayne Schultz liked the work of Tom Hallebone in the ruck as well as Patrick Howe and Jordan Bleicher. Patrik Della Rocca kicked seven in the win.
“For us, this is bigger than footy,” said Schultz. “Glad to get around the Lalor people after they’ve had a tough few weeks.”
Nawid Najafi and Harrison Hasouras continued their good recent form for the Bloods.
Lalor have now retired the number of ex-player Will “Stickers” Thornton who has passed away last year.
Kilmore needed a win to keep their finals hopes alive as they hosted Old Eltham Collegians at JJ Clancy Reserve.
The Turtles came to play and proved to be stiff opposition, leading narrowly at half time. The Blues scored three goals to nil in the third quarter and appeared set for victory with an 18-point lead at the final change.
But they had to withstand a fight from Old Eltham Collegians who drew within seven points late in the game. Kilmore scored a late major to make it a 13-point victory. It was a sign of maturity for the team after a huge win over the Hawks the previous week.
“It took some guts to hold onto that game,” said Kilmore coach Mick Marrett, “Although our errors early in the game put us in that position. I’m proud of the boys for digging in in that second quarter to narrow the deficit to two points at the main break.”
Marrett loved the work of Josh Coe, along with Chris Barton, Grant Paxton and Marcus Lacorcia.
The Turtles got closer than a lot of people expected. “We walked away happy with our effort and we know that we are closing the gap between us and the teams above us on the ladder,” said Old Eltham Collegians coach Stewart McCallum. “It was only 15 minutes of football that cost us.”
Sam Warren, Daniel Hallett and Daniel Cartisano did well for Old Eltham Collegians, who now go to the bye.
Mernda and Watsonia played an entertaining game at Waterview Reserve. The Saints led for most of the day and got out to a 21-point lead early in the last term.
From that point onwards, the Demons got into gear and booted five unanswered majors to win by 12 points in a crucial victory.
Cameron Cloke kicked four for Watsonia, while Matthew Bawden matched that at the other end of the ground.
Ivanhoe and Laurimar have the top two spots locked away, while Mernda will officially finish third if they can defeat Lalor in Round 17.
Reservoir is two games behind the Demons and a win plus percentage ahead of Watsonia, Heidelberg West and Kilmore who all have seven wins.
The Hawks watched on eagerly and Mernda and Watsonia clashed. The cards fell their way with the Demons prevailing. So, Heidelberg West and Kilmore remain in the hunt for finals action.
