By DAVID NAGEL
PAKENHAM has claimed its second significant scalp in the space of two weeks and stretched its winning streak to seven after cruising to a 31-point win over Beaconsfield at Holm Park Road.
The Lions backed up their nail-biting one-point victory over Cranbourne with a dominant display against Beaconsfield, the end result flattering the hosts who were never in the hunt.
The Lions’ tackling pressure was superb, small forwards Jake Barclay, Adam Alberni and Troy Toussaint applying real pressure to an Eagles backline that was constantly under threat. Kym Jones and Scott Meyer had a great duel in the ruck but, when the ball hit the deck, it was the Lions’ midfield that took control.
Dom Paynter was once again in sensational touch, while skipper Dean Blake continues to improve after an injury-interrupted start to the season. The Lions’ playmakers drove the ball long into the forward line where Daniel Fry kicked six, and had the better of one of the competition’s best full backs in Daniel Battaglin.
“That’s two weeks in a row now, against Cranbourne and Beaconsfield that we’ve played really good footy against good sides,” Lions’ coach Steve O’Bryan said. “It was important to back up well from last week, to the boys’ credit – they’re very motivated and driven at the moment and playing some good footy.
Pakenham hosts back-to-back champion Narre Warren this Saturday in the match-of-the day at Toomuc Reserve.
Cranbourne scored its most satisfying victory since winning the 2011 premiership after ending the 44-game winning streak of Narre Warren with a six-point win at Casey Fields.
Cranbourne was harder at the contest than the Magpies in the first term which saw it dominate both the tackling and possession count. The Eagles were fired up all over the ground, with defenders Brandon Osborne, Matt Rus and Nick Barker linking beautifully with the midfield brigade of Michael Boland, Ryan Davey, Max Gearon and Curtis Barker to give their forwards a chance.
Michael Theodoridis kept up his end of the bargain, using his pace and aggressive nature to terrorise the Magpies’ defence.
The Eagles took a 22-point lead to the first break before the Magpies steadily cut the margin, back to 17 at half time, then again to 10 at three-quarter time. The last quarter was a cracker!
The Magpies are a champion team – their record proves that – and they lifted their rating to take a 14-point lead midway through the final term. The Magpies looked set for their eighth consecutive win over their arch-rivals … but the Eagles responded in kind.
Two quick goals saw the margin cut back to a point before a Jones free kick in the goal square gave the Eagles the lead, which they held until the final siren. The match-winning goal capped off a best-on-ground display from Jones, who kicked four from the wing, while Theodoridis matched his team-mates output.
The Magpies were gallant in defeat. Jackson Parker led the way with three goals from the midfield while full-back Ryan Morrison -who did a great job on Cranbourne champ Marc Holt- joined Hayden Stagg and Col McNamara as the Magpies’ best.
Hampton Park finally had reason to cheer, scoring its first win of the season with a commanding 50-point win over Keysborough at Robert Booth Reserve.
The Redbacks trailed at quarter time, but kicked 12 goals to three after the first break to cruise their way to victory. Matt Cox kicked four, and Michael McDonald three for the winners, while ruckman Billy Thomas had a massive influence around the ground. Josh Craig, Rod Blackbourn and Nathan Allen were others who deserved to belt out the club song with pride. Tim Werner slotted four goals for the Burra.
Doveton pulled off the surprise of the round at its home ground at Robinson Oval with its lock-down nature leading to a low-scoring one-point win over Berwick.
The Doves looked in for a long day as the Wickers bounced out of the blocks with four first-quarter goals -but they kicked just two more for the match as Doves dug in for the fight.
Under 19 player Mitch Pierce kicked two on debut for the Doves, while Andrew Green and Michael Laszczyk -who kicked the only goal of the final quarter-, were other valuable contributors. Nathan Waite slotted three for the Wickers and skipper Madi Andrews was once again superb.
ROC survived an after-the-siren shot at goal from Tooradin skipper Michael Hobbs to defeat the Seagulls by two-points in a scrappy, but close affair at Starling Road.
The Seagulls led by two points at the final break, but a Neil Adams goal gave the Kangaroos the edge the needed to bank a crucial four points. Tom Marks, Travis Woodfield and Blair Allan were the best performers for the winners while interleague star Matt Wade continued his outstanding form for the Seagulls.
