By Jackson Russell
WHITTLESEA has started the Northern Football Netball League division two season with a 91-point away win over Epping.
The Eagles came out of the gates hot, with a 6.4.40 first quarter – holding Epping to 3.4.22.
Whittlesea was able to extend its lead out to 41 points in the second term, kicking 7.7.49. Epping tried to recover a bit of momentum, kicking 4.2.26 for the quarter.
A 10-goal final term was able to seal the win for the Eagles, their first after being relegated to division two.
Eagles captain Riley Dyson had a strong performance as did Xavier Dimasi and new recruits Harrison Jarvie and Lachlan Beattie.
Whittlesea coach Blair Harvey said his side was much better in the second half.
“The first half wasn’t great so there’s some room for improvement,” he said.
“To win first up is great for the team. Last year we struggled for wins so to build a bit of confidence with a first round win was great.
“Our first three quarters were a bit scrappy and we hit our straps in the last quarter.
“We had a strong preseason and all our practice matches have been the same, and we’ve been able to run over sides so it’s a bit of a reward for the boys after such a strong preseason.
“We’re looking forward to this week, we’ve got a big game at home against Diamond Creek and it’ll be a good challenge to see where we’re at.”
Epping 9.8.62 def by Whittlesea 23.15.153
EPPING
Goal Kickers: T. Burnside 2, L. Judd 2, M. Howden, D. Ferguson, B. Taylor, D. Westra, S. Dicello.
Best Players: L. Judd, D. Taylor, J. Carter, B. Taylor, D. Ferguson, T. Burnside
WHITTLESEA
Goal Kickers: J. Murphy 4, S. Indian 4, B. Watson 2, X. Dimasi 2, M. Atta 2, H. Jarvie 2, L. Beattie, C. Prestopino, N. Andrews, T. Holmberg, P. Higgins, R. Dyson, T. Falls.
Best Players: N. Stefanile, X. Dimasi, R. Dyson, J. Murphy, T. Falls, M. Dyson
