Whittlesea has confirmed its position as the MC Labour Division 2 ladder leader after a convincing Round 14 win over Lower Plenty at the weekend.
The undefeated Eagles hosted Lower Plenty at the Whittlesea Showgrounds in a contest that looked like it would go down to the wire at the first break.
The Eagles showed that they meant business with an early goal from Riley Powell six minutes into the game. But from that point on, both sides traded minor scores to until a Lower Plenty goal brought the scores within one point at quarter time.
However, it was all Eagles in the second term with an impressive five goals to one on the scoreboard.
Lucas Hobbs and Jaron Murphy opened the account early in the quarter with Riley Powell, Paul Higgins and Taidgh Bland joining in the party.
This was a big game for Midfielder Bland, who returned to the top of the Division 2 Coaches MVP Award last week.
The main break saw the Eagles dominating with 6.7 (43) to 2.4 (16) proving that Gary Ramsay’s men have made the Showgrounds their fortress for the 2024 season. Whittle has recorded an average winning margin of over 55 points a game this year while booting some really impressive totals.
The third quarter saw a determined Lower Plenty hold Whittlesea goalless until the 17 minute mark until a goal from Matt Langford to turn the tide. Goals from Xavier Dimasi and Clancy Bland helped get the Eagles back on the board.
The intense pressure of the game saw goals restricted to just three in the final term – two for Whittlesea and one for Lower Plenty.
The final siren saw the Eagles lock in a top three spot, firmly positioning themselves as minor premier contenders with an impressive 11.16 (82) to 7.8 (50) result.
With games against second and third placed Diamond Creek and South Morang ahead, it is going to be a few intense final weeks for the Eagles.
MY BALL: Christian Prestopino takes on two tough opponents in a battle for the ball.
Laurimar ruins the Bears’ party
Meanwhile down at the Main Street Recreation Reserve, visitors Laurimar put paid to Thomastown’s top five ambitions with an impressive 17-point win over the Bears.
It was a bit of history repeating itself with Thomastown coming into the clash, following a losing streak as they did when they faced the Power back in Round 5. This time the Bears were not so lucky with that streak continuing.
The Power did not look like losing the game from the start with an impressive lead at every break.
The first half saw Laurimar pour on seven goals to Thomastown’s five. Jacson Cecil and Joel Lawson were particularly impressive in the goal square for the Power.
The Power’s domination continued in the second half with some great defensive play that kept Thomastown to just four majors.
The final siren saw the Power come out impressive victors with 12.9 (81) to Thomastown’s 9.10 (64) on the scoreboard.
The win was also a glimmer of light for Laurimar, bringing a chance that the side may avoid a return to Division 3 next season.
Mernda not kings of the lake
The Kinglake Memorial Park saw an intense battle and a close finish between Mernda and Kinglake.
Despite holding as lead throughout the first half and holding the Lakers to a three-point margin at three quarter time, Mernda was unlucky in getting over the line at the final siren, going down by four points in the 9.11 (65) to 9.7 (61) thriller.
Goals were scarce in the first quarter but the game freed up a bit in the second term with more accurate scoring from both sides. Fortunately, the narrow loss has not dented Mernda’s top three spot on the ladder.
Best for Mernda were Lachlan Taylor, Matthew Bawden, Josh Mazzarella, Kai Turner, Lincoln Coffey, and Jesse Guelfo.
