By Stephanie Kirkman
Eastern Ranges have caused the upset win of the season, defeating the Geelong Falcons in a nail biting one-point victory on the weekend.
Travelling up to Skilled Stadium, the Ranges broke the Falcons undefeated 11 game winning streak since round one.
In a highly, close-contested match throughout the four quarters, the Falcons wasted no time in taking the lead early, winning the first by eight-points.
The second quarter saw the Ranges in red hot form, taking back the lead to a two-point deficit 19 minutes into the second.
Tables turned minutes after when the Ranges took back the lead, with the Falcons trailing by five-points at the end of the main break.
With not even a goal the difference between the two teams on the scoreboard, victory could slide either way today, proving to be quite the showdown until the final seconds of the match.
It was the Falcons who had the momentum in the third, outscoring the Ranges this quarter by one goal to close the gap to a two-point ball game.
Intensity rose in the final term, with the Ranges missing some crucial goals to advance their lead from three-quarter time.
The Falcons were right on target in the fourth, only missing one out of five set shots at goal.
It was down to the dying minutes of the match, and with the seconds quickly ticking away it was the Ranges who were able to fight off the game until the final siren, with a spectacular one-point victory against the top side.
Coach Shane Watson was very pleased after the match with the boys overall performances.
“It was definitely very overwhelming to watch, but they did it, they got over the line, and played hard today to defeat such a strong side like Geelong,” he said.
There were plenty of goal kickers this weekend, with the forward line sharing around the ball.
Luke McDonald booted through two goals for the Ranges, whilst teammates Cope, Minahan and La Marca also slotted through two for the day.
Aaron Young had a strong game in the backline leaving opponent Jarryn McCormack goalless for the match, while Kieran Harper was dynamic in the midfield racking up 18 possessions.
The win still sees the Ranges move up one spot to seventh place, not far from taking 6th sport from Gippsland Power.
Next week in Round 14, the Ranges are back at home to take on the Murray Bushrangers, on Sunday 12th July at 1:00pm, Box Hill City Oval.
Final Scores:
11.10-76
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Geelong Falcons
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11:10 AM Sat 4/Jul
Skilled Stadium
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def. by
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11.11-77
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Eastern Ranges
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Goal Kickers: L. McDonald 2, L. Cope 2, R. Minahan 2, A. La Marca 2, G. Phelps, D. Fitzgerald, B. Wilson Best Players: A. Young, K. Harper, B. Harvey, L. McDonald, R. Minahan, J. Crowle
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Last Modified on 14/07/2009 11:18