By Marcus Uhe
Seven goals to Will Howe helped propel Narre Warren to a 70-point win over Upwey Tecoma and all-but seals the leading goal kicker award for 2023.
The mercurial forward sits 19 clear of his nearest competitor and the defending champion in Wandin’s Clint Johnson on 37.
Warning signs were evident early for the Tigers as the opening forward foray was immediately rebounded and resulte din Howe’s first.
The Magpies kicked eight goals to the hosts’ one in the opening quarter, including the final six of the term, for a 41-point lead at the first break and never looked challenged for the remainder of the afternoon.
They saved their brutal best for the final term, kicking 9.2 to Upwey Tecoma’s 2.1, to finish 23.9 147 to 11.11 77.
Jesse Davies and Riley Siwes both contributed four goals, with Siwes in a rich vein of form, having kicked 15 in his last three.
Veterans Kurt Mutimer and Brad Scalzo dominated the middle of ground and Joel Zietsman led the defensive group.
Sam Murray and Daniel Waters kicked two goals for the Tigers as their only multiple goal kickers, Jackson Waters and Sam Wicks among their better contributors.
Poor kicking for goal may hurt Mt Evelyn’s finals chances, letting a potential upset slip through its fingers against Woori Yallock.
The Rovers trailed at every break and needed to make up a 19-point differential at the final break to notch their seventh win of the season.
The backline held their end of the bargain, keeping the Tigers to just four behinds, but the forwards felt the heat of the context, kicking 1.6 to fall 11 points short, 8.12 60 to 10.11 71.
The loss leaves them in sixth place, one game back from Pakenham, with Narre Warren next week in its final fixture of the year.
Luke Boontjes and Zach Monkhorst continued their excellent seasons for the Tigers, likewise Daimon Kift and Noah Beamish for the Rovers.
A stellar defensive performance from Monbulk in the second half saw the Hawks kick clear of Olinda Ferny Creek.
A six-point lead at half time grew to 38 at the final siren, the Hawks winning 16.7 103 to 10.5 65.
Tom Taylor kicked for the Hawks to keep the faint dream of playing in finals afloat, sitting seventh but tied on points with Mt Evelyn in sixth.
Olinda Ferny Creek’s fight to stay in premier division will come to a head next week when it battles bottom-placed Gembrook in a contest likely to determine which side is relegated.
