Beacy wins in ‘super slog’

BEACONSFIELD Superules divisionone side held top spot on the ladder after defeating Melbourne by 67 points in cold, wintry and heavy conditions at Albert Park Beaconsfield at the weekend
Dominating early, Beaconsfield had 90 per cent of the play in the forward line for the first quarter.
However, some inaccurate kicking at goals and flooding by the opposition had Beaconsfield kicking nine points straight before Sutherland kicked the first goal on the siren.
Beaconsfield midfield and defence were well on top and only allowed Melbourne one point during the term.
At quarter time, the message from the coaches’ box was to ‘simply persevere and keep doing the team things’.
This paid dividends as Beaconsfield quickly kicked its first for the term when Ward ran onto a loose ball.
McGavigan in the ruck was giving first use of the ball to his midfielders who set up many forward attacks. Busacca and Sheedy on the wings were linking up well through the midfield and Melbourne simply did not have manpower to run with Beaconsfield.
Conduit, Ward Busacca all kicked goals and at halftime Beaconsfield led 5.14.44 to Melbourne 1.2.8.
The third term started well for Beaconsfield with Sloan kicking a goal within minutes, however from there on for the remainder of the term, Beaconsfield allowed Melbourne to run the ball too easily out of Beaconsfield’s forward line which was putting pressure on their back half.
Late in the quarter, Matt McKenna kicked Beaconsfield’s second for the term to go into the last quarter 7.15.57 to Melbourne 2.3.15.
Beaconsfield made some changes going into the last term with Stacey, who had played a solid game in defence, being rested for Davine who immediately got among the action.
Turner returned to his 2005 form and was rewarded with a goal early in the final term.
Sutherland was playing well up forward and although not kicking goals himself, was setting up goals for teammates.
Ward capped of his game with his third and when McKenna kicked truly only minutes later, the game was all but over.
During the final term Beaconsfield did not concede a score and ran out comfortable winners.
Scores: 10.22.82 d Melbourne 2.3.15.
Goals: Ward 3, M. McKenna 2, Turner, Sutherland, Busacca, Conduit, Sloan, 1.
Best: D. Ward, I. Hotham, P. Conduit, M. Vandenberghe, M. McKenna.