Round 17 match reports by Stephen Marson
Under 19’s:
The Cougars led for most of the game, but were unfortunately overrun by Montmorency in the final term.
Northcote Park had matched the second placed Magpies for the entire first quarter, but still went into quarter time down by 10 points. Three goals to Nik McNiece in the second term however saw his side take a nine-point buffer into half time.
Another three goal to one third term by the Cougars gave them a healthy 17-point lead in a low scoring contest, but Montmorency were always going to challenge the Cougars in the final quarter.
Montmorency managed to snag five goals in the final quarter and keep Northcote Park to only one, as the Magpies ran out eight-point winners in the end.
Reserves:
Northcote Park kept the home side goalless until midway through the final term, as the Cougars notched an impressive 50-point win.
Eight goals to zero at half time had the Cougars in control of the match, with the back six playing brilliantly to keep Montmorency to only six behinds for the half.
Justin Chillcott kicked his second for the day in what was the only goal for the third quarter, to put his side up by 55 points at three quarter time.
The Magpies finally managed a goal in the final quarter, but it was too late, as the Cougars job had already been done.
This win now confirms Northcote Park’s place in the finals series, and they will finish 4th or 5th depending on results next weekend, meaning that an elimination final against Macleod is all but confirmed.
Special mentions to Daniel Brown, Ross Botoulas, Liam Waldron, Janus Waldron, Ed Bui and Tyson Old for backing up and filling in for the reserves.
Seniors:
A seven goal second quarter set the Cougars up for an exciting 39-point win over Montmorency.
After the Magpies started strong early booting six goals in the first 20 minutes, Northcote Park managed some late ones in the first term to only be down by 10 points at quarter time.
A fantastic second quarter followed, as seven Cougar goals were kicked to the Magpies’ three, to see Northcote Park jump out to a 18 point lead at half time.
After a frantic opening half, only five goals were kicked during the third quarter, and the Cougars held a strong but not safe 23-point lead.
The margin was quickly pushed out to beyond the reach of Montmorency as back-to-back Aaron Shaw goals put the game to bed.
Depending on results next weekend, the Cougars will face either Eltham or Bundoora in an elimination final in two weeks time.