The Northern Blues Amateurs have played their best game of 2014 in an enthralling 25-point victory over the top-placed Emmaus St Leos at Bennettswood Sports Ground on Saturday.
The win ends the Animal’s eleven game winning streak that has lasted over three months in the 14.13. (97) to 18. 14. (122) result.
Northern needed to shake the cobwebs from their lengthy drive to Burwood in the first half, conceding eleven goals to half-time, their most in any contest this season.
Spearhead Chris Beluszar was leading the way for Emmaus, kicking majors aplenty to complement his contested marking prowess adding seven goals to his competition leading tally of 57.
Despite trailing on the scoreboard, the Blues first quarter effort (seven goals) gave them the belief that they could win heading into the rooms at the major break.
With two men down and a 20-point margin to overturn the Blues played emphatic football in the third quarter, swinging the score a goal in their favour heading into the final term.
Midfield trio James King, Jay Phelan and Damon Marcon were instrumental in that turn-around, combining for 13 goals for the afternoon.
The last quarter was fiercely contested to begin with as both sides fought ruthlessly for an important four points.
However, it would be the Blues’ day as they kicked away with five final quarter goals to Emmaus’ two.
The result splits the Blues’ results against Emmaus this season following their 10-point loss in Round 5; an outcome co-captain Todd Beames said was vital in the lead-up to the finals.
“That win was important because it kept our chance of top-spot and a guaranteed double chance alive,” Beames said.
“To go two men down like that and fight back in the second half tells you a lot about the character we have within the group.”
“With players slowly returning from injury each week I feel like we could be gearing up for another big September.”
For the Animal’s, defender Tom Thorn battled gallantly in defence all afternoon to find himself among their best players.
Northern are now tied on eleven wins with Emmaus but still sit second on the ladder with a lower percentage.
Next week, Northern will face the winless South Mornington at Ruthven Reserve from 2:00.
The match will be followed by our Trivia Night, which will commence at 6:30pm. Our club’s platinum partner, The Olympic Hotel, is hosting the night.
Emmaus St Leos 4.5 11.10 12.11 14.13 (97)
Northern Blues 7.3 8.8 13.11 18.14 (122)
GOALS: King 5. Phelan 4, Marcon 4, Cigagna 2, De Andrade, M.Holmes, Warwick
BEST: Phelan, Holmes, King, Parkes, Jepson, Marcon
Last Modified on 13/08/2014 12:41
