By AKSHAY KAPADIA
TOP-PLACED Craigieburn travelled to Tullamarine where they were looking to continue their unbeaten 2016 streak.
Tullamarine had just come off a 31-point win away to Taylors Lakes, while Craigieburn smashed Hadfield by 150 points, even after a head count went against Eagles.
It was the Eagles’ to win, but the first quarter was anything but expected.
Tullamarine got off the perfect start, kicking the first three goals of the game.
These came quick and fast and had the Demons up by 21 points early.
The Eagles found it hard to penetrate the forward 50, as continuous centre clearance went in favour of Tulla.
Craigieburn hit back with their first goal from Christian McErlain, and another two after that to keep the game interesting.
However, Tullamarine ran out with the rest of the opening term, kicking another four goals to put themselves 27 points ahead by the first break.
Tullamarine pushed their lead out even further in the second quarter, kicking the only two goals of the term.
The game started to flow a bit better for Craigieburn but they couldn’t make use of their limited scoring opportunities, only managing three behinds.
David Courouzou opened up the scoring for Craigieburn in the third term, and Craigieburn where hopeful of a second half comeback.
But Tullamarine has an answer for everything the Eagles asked.
It was the same in the last quarter. Craigieburn were unable to take their multiple chances in front of goal to force a dramatic conclusion.
The Demons ended up on top by 27 points at the final siren.
This was the first loss for Craigieburn this season, and the first time that Jason Cloke had failed to score a goal for the game.
The result still has Craigieburn in first spot, two games ahead of Tullamarine who moved from third to second after Westmeadows narrowly lost to Hillside.
Next week, Tullamarine travel to Oak Park in what is the game of the week for Essendon Ford Division 1, while Craigieburn host the bottom-placed Northern Saints.
TULLAMARINE | 12.9-81
Goal Kickers: J. Sims 3, W. Becker 2, C. Laurie, D. Devine, R. Laurie, B. Daly, C. Steele, A. Liberatore, S. Doyle
Best Players: C. Burns, D. Scott, C. Laurie, W. Becker, J. Marcy, J. Sims
CRAIGIEBURN | 7.12-54
Goal Kickers: D. Courouzou 2, B. Gordon, R. Bongetti, C. McErlain, N. Perrone, J. Davies
Best Players: R. Bongetti, G. Heenan, B. Gordon, C. McErlain, J. Page, J. Davies
