Banyule continued its unbeaten start to the 2017 Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 campaign with a 37-point win over St Mary’s.
The Bears trailed by three points at half time before kicking 12 goals to six after the main break to win 16.13 (109) to 11.6 (72) at Whatmough Park.
Prior to the game, both teams paid their respects to the ANZACs as a ceremony was held by members of the Greensborough RSL, followed by the Last Post and a minute’s silence.
Banyule jumped out of the gates with its intensity right up, however the visitors didn’t make the most of their chances early.
The Bears finally started to kick straight thanks to star forward James Kroussoratis, who kicked the opening two goals of the game. Artan Cabdi kicked the Bears’ third which gave them some breathing space.
However, St Mary’s switched on and began a spirited fightback sparked by Bart Walsh’s long goal from a set shot and Jackson Wolczko’s burst and run which set up Daniel Dober’s goal deep in the forward line.
The Burra managed to peg back Banyule’s early lead to be down by only four points at the quarter time break.
The second quarter was tightly contested as both teams were relentlessly hunting the ball and defending well. Matthew Yarwood had plenty of the footy and Sean Tanudtanud was hard at it for Banyule.
For St Mary’s Lockie Potter picked up a lot of possessions and Nick Dean made his presence felt all over the ground.
St Mary’s outscored Banyule two goals to one in the second quarter and managed to get its nose in front at half time to lead by three points.
The third term started out with Banyule controlling the game. Kroussoratis dominated early yet again and managed to kick the first two goals of the quarter, helping him on his way to six majors for the day.
St Mary’s was down rotations on the bench due to injuries which didn’t help its cause and Banyule capitalised.
The Bears continuously played the game on their terms and outplay St Mary’s all over the ground, which was reflected on the scoreboard as the visitors went into the three-quarter time break with a 31-point lead.
St Mary’s James Boarotto impressed and managed to kick the first goal of the fourth term, however Banyule answered back thanks to Adam Barclay.
It was goal for goal early on in a high-scoring last term, however St Mary’s could not find a way to get back into the game.
Banyule managed to kick away to keep its lead and deservingly ran away with the four premiership points to shoot a game clear atop the ladder, having played an extra game than fellow undefeated side South Morang.
Banyule’s best players were skipper Scott Gumbleton, Kroussoratis, Daniel Kelly and Matt Yarwood. St Mary’s best were Walsh, Daniel Castagnini, Boarotto and Lee Minuz.
Banyule has a bye in Round 4 while St Mary’s, now 0-2, faces Mernda at Waterview Recreational Reserve.
Final score: St Mary’s 11.6 (72) def by Banyule 16.13 (109)
