By DAVID NAGEL
CRANBOURNE and Tooradin players fell to their knees in exhaustion after the teams played out a thrilling draw at Casey Fields on Saturday.
A snap from deep in the forward pocket, with just seconds remaining, by Cranbourne’s Frank Martinicchio, grazed the inside of the goal-post, levelling scores and leaving all at the ground with an empty feeling at the final siren.
There were times when this one looked anything but an even contest.
Cranbourne kicked with the aid of a strong breeze, blowing towards the Berwick-Cranbourne Road end, and wasted chances in the first term.
Justin Bollenhagan, who was on fire on his wing, opened the scoring at the three-minute mark and the Eagles looked in control. Tooradin did have its fair share of possession but it broke down went entering the arc.
Two goals to March Holt and a clever snap from brother Leigh were the highlights as the Eagles took a commanding 43-point lead at quarter-time.
A costly turnover by Anthony Vella gave Tooradin the early momentum at the two-minute mark of the second term, and it held it for the rest of the quarter.
Livewire forward Ryan Eaton put on his best Stephen Milne impersonation, the number 44 slotting five for the quarter in a brilliant crumbing display.
A serious leg injury to tough on-baller Beau Miller was the only downside for the Seagulls, who responded physically and mentally to any challenge thrown their way.
Brett Scarcella, Matt Wade and ruckman Jarryd Elton were having a great contest with Eagles Ryan Davey, Matt Rus and co.
The Seagulls led by eight at half-time.
Cranny looked a different side at the start of the third term, Holt, on the end of bullet from Nick Barker.
Mat Fletcher put the Eagles in front but then things took a sudden turn.
Some dubious umpiring decisions frustrated the Eagles, they became undisciplined and Tooradin took control.
A 100-metre penalty to Jake O’Donnell, from Marc Holt, summed up a bizarre third term.
Justin Berry was moved onto a dominant Wade, who seemed to be everywhere.
Cranbourne needed to respond and Ray George led the way as goals to Holt and Berry squared the ledger.
Julian Suarez twice marked strongly and kicked truly, the second giving the Seagulls the lead before Martinicchio’s valiant attempt slid by.
Eaton with six, and Suarez with four, were dangerous for the visitors while Holt kicked four for the Eagles.
Sam Watson played a superb game on Holt while Scarcella and Wade were prime movers.
Davey, Bollenhagan and Rus were joined by Stu Morrish in the Eagles best.
DOVETON continued its great start to the season, remaining unbeaten after a 38-point win over Pakenham.
The Doves overcame a two-goal deficit at quarter time to grind out an impressive win.
Shannon Stocco was the outstanding forward on the ground booting six for the winners, while Aaron Henwood, Michael Laszczyk and ‘Pickles’ Henry gave drive through the middle. Michael Taurua and Chris Cardona were best for the Lions.
NARRE WARREN remained the other undefeated side and will meet the Doves in this Saturday’s Match-of-the-Day after an 84-point win over ROC.
Youngsters Dylan Quirk, Ben King and Josh Tonna had plenty of the ball as the Magpies kicked 13 goals to three after half time. Kerem Baskaya continued his hot form, with seven goals and Aaron McIver kicked five while Chase Smaluch, Ben Tivendale and Matthew Clarke were the pick of the Kangaroos.
BEACONSFIELD youngster Jake Cameron kicked six goals in the Eagles 131-point win over Hampton Park.
Cameron combined well with Scott Meyer and Troy McDermott -four goals each- as the Eagles ran away with things in the second half.
Nathan Dawes, Tim Schwab and Jack Jones were among the Redbacks’ best.
BERWICK tuned up for its big test against Cranbourne with a 77-point win over Keysborough.
The Wickers peppered the big sticks but were inaccurate all day. Jordy Andrews and Mitchell Johnson with four each and Nathan Waite with three were the main culprits, but they did enough to secure victory.
Luke Sheppard and Madi Andrews dominated the midfield while Davor Rajic, Danny Morland and Dean Gentle tried their hearts out for the Burra.
