A balanced team effort helped the Bears notch up the 14.14 (98) to 3.13 (31) win.
A week after kicking six goals, forward Michael Khoury kicked another bag of four for the victors, with Nathan Stavridis, Tristan Harrower and Michael Manley all slotting two apiece.
At the other end, Kane Paterson, James Seymour and Haydn Bryce were the only goal kickers for St Mary’s with one goal each. The Burras’ lowly haul of three goals means they have booted just 17 majors across the opening three weeks of the season.
Thomastown was able to get off to a great start but couldn’t take advantage of its dominance, kicking a wasteful 4.7 in the first term.
The Bears were then held to just two behinds in the second term as St Mary’s used the conditions to its advantage to bring the lead back to just 15 points at the main break.
With the game in the balance, Thomastown was able to find its run in the third and used it to its advantage. A long goal from Daniel Chadwick started a run of seven straight majors.
Michael Khoury had a massive influence in the third term, taking some great marks and kicking three of his four goals within five minutes.
Thomastown then looked to take advantage of a depleted St Mary’s side, going into the last quarter with a 60-point lead.
St Mary’s looked dangerous going forward in the last quarter but weren’t able to bring the margin within 10 goals – managing an inaccurate 1.5 for the quarter.
Sashe Spiroski was a standout for the Bears, accumulating a heap of the ball and using it well. Another named within the best was Josh Beare who used the ball precisely through the middle and up forward.
Thomastown coach Steve Krstevski had a lot of praise for his team after the match, particularly the backline.
“It was just right across the board we played well.” Krstevski said.
“The back six were fantastic. To concede only 30-odd points was a really good effort.”
Next week, Thomastown will look for a third successive victory when it faces Watsonia at A.K. Lines Reserve.
“Watsonia should be a good test,” Krstevski said. “They’ve improved a hell of a lot so we’ll see how we go.”
St Mary’s will look to register its first win for 2013 when it faces Parkside at Whatmough Park.
Final score: Thomastown 14.14 (98) def St Mary’s 3.13 (31)
