Phew! Beacy hangs on

By Brad Kingsbury
BEACONSFIELD held on to grab a last-gasp, season-defining two-point victory over a determined and desperately unlucky Devon Meadows in a tough and entertaining game at Glover Reserve on Saturday.
The siren sounded with the ball sailing into the Panthers’ forward line after Damien Hinkley missed a set shot to give the home side the lead only 30 seconds before – and that told the story of the day.
Devon Meadows fought gallantly only to fail at the final hurdle, while Beaconsfield hung in and weathered significant physical pressure to win a game that was described later by both coaches as akin to a final.
The Panthers were full of confidence after their reserves upset the previously undefeated Eagle seconds in the curtain-raiser, but some wayward kicking for goal in the opening term saw the home side trail by three points at the first break.
Jesse Dehey, Guy Chisnall and youngster Brandon Wapshott were creative for the Panthers, while Eagles coach Robbie Taylor led from the front, along with ruckman Chris Kelf and Andrew Williams who was a constant source of danger in attack.
The Eagles retained their three-point advantage at half-time, despite the Panthers having much more of the play in the second term.
Taylor released Lachlan Oakley, who had been well covered by Craig Hunter, onto the ball after the long break in an attempt to spark his side, but the dour Devon Meadows’ defence held sway and kept the visitors goalless to lead by four points at the final change.
After inspiring addresses, the final term saw the two sides swap goals and the lead on several occasions before Williams slotted his fourth for the game and gave his side a three-point advantage with little time left on the clock.
The Panthers had the play, but ran out of time and coach Steve O’Brien lamented another close loss, but was full of praise for his counterpart Taylor.
“Robbie Taylor’s last quarter was incredible and he probably won it for them. I don’t think he lost a clearance in the last quarter,” he said.
“We should have put the game to bed in the second quarter. We had a lot of chances, but our forward line wasn’t functioning like it should. We’re a much-improved side and we’re giving ourselves opportunities, but just not taking them. We’ve had a chance in every game, so it’s getting a bit frustrating.”
Beaconsfield had good contributors in Williams, Daniel Mislicki, Daniel Calteri and David White, but it was Taylor’s influence that carried the side home.
“It was scrappy and close all day, but we were lucky enough to be in front when the siren sounded,” said a relieved Taylor.
“Every week we feel like we’re playing in a final, but that’s how it is this year. Apart from the top two or three it will be a matter of getting yourself up for every game and winning because that will be the difference in making the finals.
“I was pleased with the way we matched them in the physical clashes. We’ve been questioned in that area this year.
“Our defence was good too and really held up when it had to.”