It was an extremely successful day for the Whittlesea region’s teams in round eight of the Northern Football Netball League.
Whittlesea got back on track after two straight losses, clearing away in the second half to record a six-goal win over Panton Hill.
It was a tight contest in the first half, with the Eagles leading by three points at the first change and 12 points at the main break, but a five-goal to one third quarter broke the game open at the Whittlesea Showgrounds, with Whittlesea eventually finishing with a 17.9 (111) to 12.3 (75) victory.
Clayton McCartney and Angus Smith kicked four goals apiece for the Eagles, who were also well-served by Mitchell Andrews, Taidhg Bland, Zane Anderson and Riley Carter.
In division three, Laurimar were much too strong for Lalor at Laurimar Town Park.
The Power were dominant in every quarter, leading by 56 points at the main break, before a nine-goal third term meant the margin was extended beyond 100 points by three-quarter-time.
A further six goals to no score in the last term meant the Power recorded a 26.17 (173) to 4.4 (28) victory.
Patrick Fitzgerald maintained his lead in the division three goalkicking charts with his second haul of 10 goals for the season, while Bailey Macleod was again instrumental. Cooper Cusinato, Jake Francis, Luke Wilson and Joel Lawson completed the best players.
Mernda, in the meantime, had to hold off a late Reservoir charge at Waterview Reserve.
The Demons led by as much as 44 points during the second term, and 41 past the 20-minute mark of the third term, the Mustangs stormed back into the game with four goals in seven minutes to close the gap to a goal, before the Demons settled, winning 16.7 (103) to 13.8 (86).
Josh Mazzarella was the key for Mernda with a number of inspirational moments, while Jayden Bell, Dayne Kellett, Billy Morrison, Lachlan Evans and Brayden Plant provided support.
In division one, South Morang remain winless after falling to Banyule.
The Lions were no match for the balance of the day, although won some respect in the last term with a five-goal to one quarter to reduce the margin to 28 points, losing 15.12 (102) to 11.8 (74).
Joshua Lansfield was best for the Lions with four goals, while Tyrone Leonardis, Kobe and Teague Van Zwienen, Davin Cameron and Liam Failla were in the best for the Lions.
Women’s
Whittlesea held off a fierce battle from Diamond Creek Women’s 2 to maintain its spot in the top four.
The Eagles led for a large majority of the day but had to repel every Diamond Creek challenge in the last term before eventually winning 2.7 (19) to 2.4 (16).
Ashley Fitzpatrick, Leah O’Dell, Olivia Hodgson, Ivana Pecanac, Tara Jenner and Tahlia Brander played well for the Eagles.
Laurimar was unable to score a second victory in succession, falling to Heidelberg West by 80 points, 12.9 (81) to 0.1 (1).
No best players were selected at the time of production.
In division two, South Morang had a spirited affair with Kilmore, before the Blues proved too strong in the second half to win by 59 points.
The Lions had a number of opportunities in the first half but had two goals from 12 scoring shots to show for it.
Eventually, Kilmore kicked eight goals to two in the second half, with the Blues winning 14.12 (96) to 4.13 (37).
Hailey Cordova again starred for the Lions, while Rhianna and Mikayla Bennett, Ruby Failla, Ella Pinney and Isabella Chessler were also best for the Lions.
Netball
Whittlesea 1 took a strong win in the division one netball competition, scoring a 59-33 win over Heat.
Whittlesea 2 wasn’t as lucky in division three, going down 30-41 to Kinglake, their first loss of the season.
The Eagles would also finish with a win and a draw from their four matches across Friday night.
South Morang 1 kept their division three chances alive with a decisive 42-30 win over Heat.
It was a strong Friday night for the Lions, who recorded five wins from their seven games.
Laurimar 1 had a tight affair against Kilmore but would eventually go down 30-35.
The Power finished their night with two wins from five games across the divisions in the competition.
