In a heart stopping Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 contest, Old Eltham Collegians scored a thrilling come from behind three-point win over premiership hopefuls Laurimar at Eltham College.
With the Turtles registering back-to-back one kick victories as well as other results going their way, they now sit in fourth place and, more importantly, two games clear of fifth placed Heidelberg West.
Old Eltham Collegians trailed at each change, but a two goal to nil final term got the job done for the home side in the 5.15 (45) to 6.6 (42) result.
Fittingly, the ball was in Tim Ellis’ hands as the final siren sounded. The Power’s final forward thrust was thwarted by one of numerous intercept marks by Ellis, who was adjudged best on ground. The large local crowd erupted with cheers after a tense end to the game.
The precipitation stayed away during the game, but more than 30mm of overnight rain meant that it was heavy going for the players.
With the contest becoming a game of metres gained rather than fancy footwork, Old Eltham Collegians coach Matt Sleeman moved Niall McDonough and Matthew Keys into the midfield to do the bullocking work.
Laurimar held a 14-point lead at the main break and, with a slight breeze at their backs, had a chance to set up a match-winning lead in the third quarter. But with each team scoring just the one major for the term, the door was left ajar for the Turtles.
The home team won the inside fifties 14-7 during the third term and it was a sign that the tide was turning despite the fact that the deficit was unchanged at the three quarter time.
An early goal to Jay Smith got the home crowd excited. His teammate Jack Snow was the most dangerous forward on the ground and, with two majors, was the only player to score multiple goals. He also worked well as a pressure forward.
Snow’s second goal came in the final term and his snap levelled the scores. It was to be the last major of the contest, but three further behinds to the Turtles was enough to get them over the line.
As the game wore on, the pressure applied by the Turtles began to pay dividends. The final minutes were similar to their previous match against Heidelberg West as they grimly, and successfully, hung on to a slender lead.
“We want to play finals and think we are good enough”, said Old Eltham Collegians assistant coach Zac Cole. “Our first ever win over Laurimar will help us get there.”
The Power looked like winners for much of the contest and much of this was due to the good work in defence by Jake Richards, who was ably assisted by Grant Sampson.
Ethan Frawley and Ethan Bateman made valuable contributions for Laurimar, while Luke Wilson impressed with a mixture of inside toughness and smart ball use.
Sixteen-year-old debutant Noah Mooney spent some time in the ruck and looks to have a bright future.
“We dictated terms early but, in the end, they wanted it more”, said coach Jimmy Atkins.
The result sees Old Eltham Collegians level with Laurimar on three wins. The Turtles next assignment is a trip to Lalor Reserve to take on the winless Lalor outfit.
Laurimar faces a tougher test when hosting Heidelberg West at Laurimar Reserve.
