BEAUTIFUL conditions at Bayswater Oval set up the perfect platform for an attacking contest between two of the best leagues of the Victorian metropolitan region.
The Eastern Football League started off the game with a bang, kicking six goals in the first quarter and out-running the Essendon District Football League boys all over the ground.
Ex-Greenvale forward Tom Hill booted through two EFL majors for the quarter and polished off his electric start with a great grab up forward.
The second quarter saw the EFL continue their dominance.
Leigh Williams was set for a day out at that point, after selling some candy and booting though one of his four goals for the day.
Despite some hard work from Fort Caruso and Caleb Vearing, the EDFL went into the main break with a deficit of 34 points.
Going into half time, Brodie Holland encouraged his players to keep persisting past the EFL rampage.
His positive affirmations seemed to do the trick, as the EDFL boys fired right back into action and booted eight goals in the third quarter.
Jason Williams was the spark of the fight-back, booting through three goals for the quarter to take his tally to five.
In the last quarter, the EFL's Dean Poynton kicked a goal early in the quarter to steady the ship for his team.
But the EDFL's Patrick Rose and Dean Galea kicked some crucial goals to keep them in the contest.
However, the EFL ended up getting over the line by the skin of their teeth - to the tune of just two points.
Leigh Williams was awarded best-on-ground for the EFL, thanks to his four-goal haul, and Aberfeldies’ Daniel Thompson was the pick of the EDFL boys for his tireless efforts all day.
EDFL coach, Brodie Holland was extremely proud of his brigade.
“The boys fought it out extremely well.” he said on EDFL Radio.
“We got a lift from Caruso, (Will) Martinello and (Josh) Cubillo (after half time) and (Cameron) Cloke gave us a bit when he was in the ruck.”
“I think the guys did enjoy the experience.”
Essendon District Football League 17.14.116
Goal Kickers
P. Rose 5, J. Williams 5, D. Galea 4, B. Mabon, M. Jensen, J. Cauchi
Best Players
D. Thompson, C. Vearing, P. Rose, F. Caruso, W. Martinello, J. Williams
Eastern Football League 18.10.118
Goal Kickers
L. Williams 4, J. Best 3, T. Hill 2, C. Annakis 2, J. Vanunen, D. Garner, C. Manuel, D. Poynton, L. Wale-Buxton, R. Jordan, L. McDonald
Best Players
L. Williams, J. Vanunen, D. Poynton, S. Hill, S. Davidson, L. Wale-Buxton
