TWO of the most talked about teams in Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division were head-to-head in front of a boisterous crowd down at Lebanon Reserve.
Both sides battled hard in the midfield and with clearances even in the first quarter, an exciting game was brewing.
Pascoe Vale’s signature defensive wall setup worked from the very start, trapping it in their forward line.
Yet, poor conversion through the first three quarters cost them the large lead that they deserved.
Past North Melbourne players on both sides had the crowd licking their lips at the talent on display.
Hamish McIntosh had a presence and skillset above others around the ground.
But a hamstring injury in the second term took McIntosh away from a side desperately lacking in size.
Pascoe Vale capitalised on their size around contests by pushing Lachie Hansen up the ground, where he was able to clunk a heap of contested marks.
Strathmore had bursts of brilliance but with such a young side, blazed away at times and missed opportunities when composure was needed.
Pacco youngster Damien Petrone, a recent Under 19.5 leading goal kicker, used his great leaping ability and agility to lift his side and snag two goals for the day.
It was also great to see Strathmore youngster Kyle ‘Flea’ Weightman provide forward pressure and speed bursts throughout the day.
Weightman, along with Logan Morey, gained meterage with pace and clearance work all day, even when the Panthers were on a roll.
Starting the third quarter with increased intensity, the locals started to believe that their Strathmore side could mount a comeback.
Their forward pressure and switching was sublime but as the game went on, Pascoe Vale’s shear skill and size helped them slowly take control.
The second half was dominated by former Blue, Matthew Watson.
His contested marking and impact at the contest was immense, ending his day with five majors.
With the home crowd in his ear, Watson saluted his fifth goal by turning to the vocal Strathmore fans and silencing them.
Shayne Allen was also a forward presence, kicking four and contributing to Pascoe Vale’s big numbers in contested possessions and marks, which was the difference against an undermanned and undersized Strathmore.
STRATHMORE 7.8-50
Goal Kickers: A. Grima 3, D. Mighell, N. Lower, D. O''Leary, S. O''Loughlin
Best Players: A. Vavra, N. O''Brien, A. Horne, A. Iacobucci, J. Cachia, L. Holian
PASCOE VALE 15.15-105
Goal Kickers: M. Watson 5, S. Allan 4, D. Petrone 2, D. Soncin, L. Hansen, J. Polizzi, B. Ross
Best Players: S. Allan, M. Watson, L. Hansen, B. Ross, D. Soncin
