Nothing could slow down Watsonia after quarter time in their first-round clash with Lower Plenty at Binnak Park, eventually cruising to a comfortable 60-point win in their first MC Labour Division 2 battle of the season.
After only one goal in the first quarter, the Saints quickly took control of the game, kicking 15 of the next 21 majors of the match, including seven goals in the second quarter, to claim a 16.12 (108) to 6.12 (48) triumph.
The recruitment of Blake Charles had an instant impact for the home side, finishing as the game’s top scorer with four majors, while James Lucente contributed with three goals.
Club best and fairest Josh Boulton picked up where he left off last season with another strong game in defensive 50 with Kobe Van Zwienen and Harrison Sinclair were also solid.
In his Lower Plenty debut, Riley Alexander kicked three fourth quarter majors while other Bears senior debutants in Josh Torresi and Felix Bell also had positive performances.
Corey Potter and Patrick Flynn filled their roles well, with Potter warning a spot in his side’s best while Flynn contributed plenty of opportunities for his rovers, particularly in the first half.
The first quarter saw only one major between both sides when the Saints’ Julian Janev kicked one on the goal line in the last minutes of the term.
Watsonia had one more scoring shot than the visitors, but the wet weather contributed to multiple turnovers and intercepts from both sides.
It would be the Saints who would start to break the game open as the second quarter commenced, with majors from Jacob Pickett, James Lucente and Chabel Khoury within the first five minutes of the term quickly stretching the margin to 24 points.
The home side’s clearance work was particularly pivotal in the quarter with the Lower Plenty defence under constant pressure. The Bears could only manage two goals against the run of play, coming from Brixton Timewell and Jordan Sacco.
In his first senior game since 2021, former Saints captain Adrian Alfonsi had a couple of memorable moments in the second quarter, kicking two majors and setting up one of Daniel Annetta’s two goals, to help stretch the margin to almost six goals at half time.
The rain impacted scoring in the third quarter with just four majors between the two sides.
Charles was the highlight of the quarter, kicking two of Watsonia’s three majors, and while the Saints were excellent inside defensive 50, the Bears were able to kick a third for the match through Jonathon Zapantis.
As the ground dried up at the start of the final quarter, Watsonia were again able to create many opportunities in the front half of the ground, extending their 47-point three quarter time advantage to a 60-point full time result.
Lower Plenty co-captains Josh Turner and Jordan Sacco both worked hard to try and create some momentum in the final quarter, while recruit Riley Alexander popped up for three goals. However, it was James Lucente who be a clear standout in the term with a two-goal contribution, as well as goal assists and second efforts in the Saints’ forward 50, ensuring his side’s victory.
