Leader News|
IN WHAT was a strange day of Casey Cardinia football, Narre Warren recorded its 14th straight win for 2013 when it defeated Doveton at AJ Robinson Reserve on Saturday.
The Magpies battled against defensive Doveton tactics to eventually break loose and win 14.17 (101) to 9.8 (62).
Needing a win to regain its spot inside the top five, Doveton focused heavily on ball retention in an attempt to frustrate the reigning premiers.
Despite not getting the win, Doveton's tactics frustrated Narre coach Chris Toner, who said it felt like a "waste of a day".
"To say I was surprised about how the game was played is a big understatement," Toner said.
"I really didn't see it coming - we were playing a side that was supposed to be pushing for a win to play finals and we were expecting a tough, competitive game - unfortunately it was quite the opposite.
"It's Doveton's perogative to play however they wish, but I was a part of Narre Warren sides that were in a similar boat to where Doveton are now and the best way we learned our successful habits was to play attacking, honest football against the best sides."
Doveton's tactic of chipping the ball backwards and sideways in defence was the most frustrating aspect of the game for Toner's men.
"Every goal we kicked was like pulling teeth," he said.
The 39-point margin was Narre Warren's smallest this season.
Doveton ace Justin Hill said the Doves were focused on denying Narre Warren the ball as a means of winning the game.
"Narre Warren are the best front-running side in the competition and our goal was to deny them the opportunity and hopefully get close enough to have a crack in the final term," Hill said.
"We certainly were not trying to save percentage, it was simply our plan to win and we got closer than anyone else has this season."
Toner said he was happy how the forward line functioned without spearhead Kerem Baskaya, who should be ready to play in a fortnight.
The Magpies' key contributors ere Ben Giobi, Chris Collins, Jack Soroczynski and captain Michael Collins.
Beaconsfield enjoyed the percentage-boosting win it needed against Tooradin-Dalmore, winning by 130 points at Tooradin Recreation Reserve.
The Eagles were a class above the inconsistent Seagulls and solidified their spot inside the top five, winning, 24.13 (157) to 4.3 (27).
On a day in which Beaconsfield had 14 goalkickers, Michael McPhie made the most of the avalanche of supply, leading all players with four goals.
Cranbourne enjoyed a timely return to form, beating finals aspirant Berwick by 39 points at Edwin Flack Reserve.
The Eagles withstood a fast start from the Wickers to gain the ascendancy and win 20.11 (131) to 13.14 (92).
It meant the Eagles maintained their second position on the ladder and left Berwick hanging on to fifth by percentage.
Cranbourne coach Doug Koop said Berwick provided a stiff challenge and was a club to watch beyond this season.
"In the end, it was our mature bodies that were able to get us over the line, but, if they can hold on to their impressive kids, they'll build into a very good club," Koop said.
One of the good stories to come out of the match was the performance of Cranbourne forward Michael Theodoridis, who completed a return from a 2012 knee reconstruction to lead all players with five goals.
For the Wickers, Mitchell Johnson kicked four goals.
Pakenham did what it had to do against a spirited Hampton Park at Robert Booth Reserve, completing an 86-point win.
Coach Steve O'Bryan led from the front, booting six goals.
Keysborough looked like it had turned a corner after upending powerhouse Cranbourne two weeks ago, but its season stalled again with a 20-point loss to ROC at Officer.
The Burra led at half time but couldn't go on with it in a match played for the Ian McLean Memorial Shield.
McLean, a fine servant of both clubs, died of cancer in September, 2008.
This Saturday Keysy host Doveton, which is locked in a battle with Berwick for fifth. Keysy's finals hopes disappeared weeks ago but it can play the role of spoiler.
