Banyule moved a game clear on top of the Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 ladder with a convincing 34-point win over South Morang in Round 5.
After the scores were tied at the main break, the Bears powered away from their opponents with an eight-goal to three second half to win 15.12 (102) to 10.8 (68) at R.J. Brockwell Oval.
It was a game of momentum changes. The Lions got off to a flyer – scoring the first four majors of the contest – including two from Anthony Capeci who was lively early.
Coming off the bye, Banyule settled late in the first stanza and booted seven unanswered goals either side of the quarter time siren. The Bears look extra sharp in this period and moved the ball precisely from end to end despite the rain.
South Morang – playing in an alternate orange strip – managed to stop the bleeding halfway through the second term and then finished the half strongly to draw level at the main break.
The third term was a see-sawing affair, with Banyule establishing a 20-point lead by the final break.
Bear forward James Kroussoratis had an interesting duel with Nick Johnston – with Johnston playing a deeper defensive role than normal. Kroussoratis gained the upper hand in the third to boot three of his five goals for the afternoon.
Ben Power provided a highlight for the Lions in the term.
He provided an option at half forward but the kick from the wing landed at his feet and he lost control of the ball. But he fought back against the odds, won a free and spotted up Paul Harrison who kicked his third from 45m out.
It appeared to signal a change of momentum. However, Banyule counter-attacked and a good goal from Devin McDonald after a 50m penalty reasserted control for the Bears.
Banyule fans would clearly remember the corresponding game in 2016. There side came from 46 points down at the main break to lead at three quarter time before being blown away in the final term.
The Banyule team of 2017 – with help from some key inclusions – is made of sterner stuff.
“When the game presented, everyone stood up,” Banyule coach Pete Davey said.
He had implored his team at the final break to get the first goal of the final term. They managed that feat within the first minute and the game was as good as won.
The Lions could not find any fluency in the game and were goalless in the last quarter.
Nicholas Biscontin and his fellow Bear defenders were virtually impenetrable after quarter time.
Adam Barclay looked lively across half forward and finished with two majors in the victory, as did Matthew Yarwood and Michael Edwards.
Kieran Malone played his best game for the Bears and fellow recruit Riley Keath was a good link man through the midfield.
“The Bears made better use of their forward entries than we did,” South Morang assistant coach Trevor Croughan said.
He was happy with Jake Potter’s shutdown role on Scott Gumbleton, while Luke Shelton and Mitch Buckley were his side’s most productive midfielders.
Of interest was that each team had their 23rd man kick a goal – Sean Downes for Banyule and Bailey Brown for South Morang.
South Morang will be looking to return to the winners’ list when it hosts Reservoir at Mill Park Lakes Reserve after the senior representative bye in Round 6. Banyule will resume with a trip to J.J. Clancy Reserve to take on the improving Kilmore.
Final score: Banyule 15.12 (102) def South Morang 10.8 (68)
