PYRAMID Hill strengthened its hopes of earning the double chance for the LVFL finals with a 37-point win over Marong on Saturday.
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Level on points going into the clash at Mitchell Park, the Bulldogs stamped their authority over the Panthers with a 12.7 (79) to 6.6 (42) win.
“It was a big game for the club, so to come away with a good win like that was a big result for us,’’ Pyramid Hill coach Paul Grayling said.
The Bulldogs led by just five points at the main break before kicking five goals to none in the third term to grab a 30-point lead at the last change.
Marong kicked to the scoring end in the final term, but Pyramid Hill outscored the Panthers 4.2 to 3.1 to win by 37 points.
“Our third quarters haven’t been our best all year, so we spoke at half-time about how important it was to play well in that third quarter,’’ Grayling said.
“Thankfully, the boys carried it out and we put our foot down.
“The wind probably died down in the second half, but it was pleasing to finish the game off so strongly.”
Young midfielder Liam Bartels was outstanding for the Bulldogs, kicking two goals in a best on groud performance.
Ruckman Balraj Singh continued his strong form, while Brad Fawcett was solid down back.
Grayling said the Bulldogs are getting closer to playing their best football.
“Our best footy is ahead of us and we’re building towards it,’’ he said.
“We haven’t played four quarters of consistent footy yet, but we’re improving and that’s all I can ask.”
The result consolidated Pyramid Hill in second place on the ladder.
The Bulldogs are one game and percentage clear of third-placed Bears Lagoon-Serpentine and fourth-placed Marong.
It was a disappointing result for the Panthers, who were coming off four-straight wins.
The Panthers, who were best served by Josh Cooper, Corey Gregg and Brett Rogers on Saturday, must win at least three of their final four matches to have any chance of earning the double chance for the finals.
Bears-Lagoon Serpentine moved into third place on the back of a hard-fought six-goal win over YCW.
The Bears looked set for a big win when they led by seven goals at half-time, but the Eagles dominated the third term to cut the margin to 12 points at the final change.
However, the Bears slipped back into top gear in the final quarter, adding six goals to two to win 17.8 (110) to 10.14 (74).
“We were lethargic, but a lot of credit has to go to YCW,’’ Bears coach Damien Featherby said.
“I thought they were very good. They’ve only won three games or so, but they’re a much better side than that would suggest.
“They will help shape this top five by the end of the year. They could easily upset one of the top sides.”
Brodie Leonard-Shannon and Josh Martyn kicked nine goals between them for the Bears, while midfielder Jye Sandiford was their best player ahead of Shaun Bowles, Miggy Podosky and Brayden Scott.
“It was really important that we didn’t let that game slip,’’ Featherby said.
“There’s four teams fighting for second and third behind Bridgewater and it’s going to be very close.
“We’ve got Mitiamo next week which will be another tough game for us that we just have to get the four points.”
The Eagles best were Matt Waterson, Levi Moss and Nick Waterson, while Tim Wood and Daine Lowry kicked three goals each.
Mitiamo celebrated its 125th anniversary in fine style, defeating old rival Calivil by 62 points.
The Superoos dominated in general play and had 31 scoring shots to nine in the 11.20 (86) to 3.6 (24) win.
Brayden Baines kicked three goals and was best on ground for the Superoos.
Daniel Meroli, Aaron McKean and James Drake impressed, while Matt Perri and Ben Bacon kicked two goals each.
Lloyd Maxted, Jonas Somerville, Justin Hynes and Caleb Smith were best for Calivil on a disappointing day for the Demons.
Flag favourite Bridgewater thumped Inglewood by 174 points, but the final margin could have been much greater.
The Mean Machine were wayward in front of goal in the windy conditions, kicking 28.31 (199) to Inglewood’s 4.1 (25).
Darren Clutton led the way with six goals, while coach Andy Collins kicked four goals in his first game back from a broken collarbone.
“It was a tough conditions and kicking into the wind it was really hard to kick goals,’’ Collins said.
“Eventually we found some momentum and started to kick a bit better.
“The good thing was we had a good spread of goalkickers again and had some good contributors across the board.”
Marc Lindsay was best afield for Bridgewater, while Clutton, Zac East and Zeb Broadbent were four-quarter performers.
Jayden Sheean continued his outstanding season for the Blues. He’s been in the Blues’ top four players for the past 10 games.
Sam Williams, Ben Rose and Brett Wilson also played well for the Blues.