IN what proved to be a scrappy affair after half time, Airport West managed to grind out a close win over Taylors Lakes after a shaky start.
Waiting an extra week for their first hit-out, Taylors Lakes came out with a point to prove, kicking seven goals to one in the first quarter.
Tempers flared early, with new recruit Jake Hobbs the beneficiary of a 50-metre penalty to kick his first goal in Taylors Lakes colours since his junior days.
Hobbs, along with fellow recruits Adrian Crawford and Luke Hodgkin, managed to fit in nicely to a new-look Taylors Lakes midfield.
Taylors Lakes set up well behind the ball for most of the first quarter but the roles were reversed in the second, with Airport West dominating the inside 50 count.
After what was a free-flowing first half, a change in weather after half time created a change in gameplay for both sides.
Both sides used the corridor to great effect in the first half, but once the rain poured, gaining meters became first preference.
Jesse Greenwood was resilient in defence for the home side, rebounding out of his defensive 50 on numerous occasions.
The game hung in the balance in the late stages of the game, with Airport West holding a slim lead for most of the final quarter despite the relentless pressure shown from Taylors Lakes.
A late goal from Hobbs put the Lions within a straight kick, but it wasn’t meant to be, with Airport West the eventual 12-point winner.
Airport West coach Robbie Ahmat was raot with the result.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Ahmat said after the game.
“At quarter time I said if we play the game on our terms we’ll be right, and after that they played the style of footy we wanted to play.
“Credit to all the boys, they all played their part and they deserve it.”
Rex Taylor was a constant threat up forward, ending the game with five majors, and Jack Formosa was “exceptional” as praised by his coach, with his goal seconds before the full time siren the final nail in the Taylors Lakes coffin.
TAYLORS LAKES 13.5-83
Goal Kickers: J. Hobbs 4, L. Hodgkin 2, M. Morelli 2, D. Ratcliffe 2, J. Vistarini 2, N. Kennedy
Best Players: J. Hobbs, M. Morelli, D. Ratcliffe, J. Vistarini, J. Booth, J. Greenwood
AIRPORT WEST 14.11-95
Goal Kickers: R. Taylor 5, J. Formosa 2, J. Cripps 2, A. Penaluna, J. Briston, D. Sinnott, T. Young, T. Skorsis
Best Players: R. Taylor, J. Mullins, T. Young, J. Formosa, C. Rogers, D. Sinnott
