by Daniel Paproth, The Weekly Group
SUNBURY has the top two in its sights after a 10.8 (68) to 5.10 (40) win over Lancefield on Saturday.
With three rounds remaining, the Kangaroos are two games clear of Romsey in fourth and equal with second-ranked Diggers Rest on 48 points.
Because of its loss, Lancefield dropped to sixth, and with Rupertswood, Melton Centrals, Wallan, Broadford and Rockbank all clamouring for a spot in the six, it must win its final two games against Rupertswood and Riddell.
With a near-gale blowing towards the Mitchells Lane end of Eric Boardman Reserve, Sunbury kicked the only three goals of the opening term to lead by 20 points at quarter-time.
The Tigers hit back in the second but were wasteful in front of goal, managing only 3.5. It gave them a two-point buffer at half-time with the wind still blowing strongly.
The Kangaroos took advantage of the wind in the third quarter, kicking five goals to two behinds, and had a 28-point lead at the final break.
An impassioned plea from Lancefield coach Paul Tilley didn’t do the trick and the Kangaroos got the first goal, deflating the Tigers.
Sunbury’s goalkicking spread again served it well with Ryan Hatty nailing three and the other seven coming in singles. Hatty is the Roos’ leading goalkicker with 28; four other players have reached double figures.
Evergreen defender Daniel Gregory was best on ground. Lancefield’s Baker was held goalless for the first time this year.
Chris Collins was the Tigers’ best, while Tevita Fonua was seen at many contests throughout the afternoon.
Sunbury coach Chris Meacham, who has booted 20 goals in the reserves over the past month, said his side was better in the second half. “Half time, three goals apiece ... they wasted the ball big time and we wasted it even more,” he said. “We wasted it, just bombed it down there and it didn’t work.
“I’m not big on giving sprays, but I gave a few at half-time and the second half spoke for itself; I thought we were fantastic. We kicked seven and that’s what we needed to do.”
He said premiership captain Jake Powell could return for Saturday’s match against Romsey.
Last Modified on 30/07/2013 15:50