Gippsland Times |
THREE unanswered goals in the final term gave Maffra a hard fought 23-point victory over Leongatha.
Leading by three points at the final change, the Eagles finally shook off the Parrots in the fourth term to win 8.14 (62) to 5.9 (39).
The result moved the Eagles into fourth position on the Gippsland League ladder.
The home side had the better of the play more much of the match, yet trailed at quarter-time and half-time. Controlling the midfield, the Eagles were unable to get the rewards in attack, mainly due to the solid Parrots defence.
Daniel Bedggood was a constant threat in attack for the Eagles, as well Brad Caldwell, who kicked three goals.
Ben Coleman, Kel Porter, Dan O'Brien and Winston Gieschen helped control the play across the ground.
Three goals from Nick Nagel helped the Parrots skip out to a 14-point lead midway through the first term.
Ben Coleman's handpassed the ball to Brent Connolly, whose kicked found Caldwell for the Eagles' only goal of the first term.
The visitors led by six points at quarter-time with the Eagles having room for improvement in their ball use and forward getting in front of their opponents.
The Parrots won the opening centre clearance of the second term with Nagel on the end of it to extend the margin to 12 points. Thing could have got worse for the Eagles moments later, but another Nagel shot for goal missed.
The Eagles did lift, with the Parrots finding it hard to get the ball out of defence, but the rewards weren't coming for the home side.
That was until Ben Durrant swooped on boundary throw-in to set-up a goal for Bedggood.
Kel Porter read a Parrots tap well to kick a goal and give the Eagles the lead. That was short-lived as another Nagel major gave the Parrots a three-point lead at the long break.
Goals continued to be hard to come by during the third term, but the Eagles did find a way through thanks to Caldwell and Bedggood.
The home side led by three points at the final change before kicking away.
Nagel kicked four goals for the Parrots, while Chris Bruns led a solid defence and Zach Vernon held his own in the midfield.
