Clearance work: Shepparton East's Tom McCluskey.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
Shepparton East has maintained its perfect record in Kyabram District League thanks to a rollicking second-half performance on a windy Saturday at Central Park Reserve.
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The home side booted six goals to one after half-time to run away from Stanhope by 30 points in the round nine encounter which has the Eagles hold on to top spot.
In a low-scoring first half the Eagles entered the main break down by a point, but Rob Osborne’s charges were able to hit their straps
Forward Ryan Pfieffer booted three goals and was lively, while key tall Tom Campbell, defender Jamie Spencer and athletic ruck Tom McCluskey were the standout performers.
In traffic: Shepparton East's Tom Campbell.
Photo by
Aydin Payne
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Winding up: Shepparton East's Adam Fichera.
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Aydin Payne
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Stanhope's Jono Pearson.
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Aydin Payne
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Big reach: Stanhope's Jake Rennie.
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Aydin Payne
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Golden fist: Shepparton East's Sam Woodward.
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Aydin Payne
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In the zone: Shepparton East's Jamie Spencer.
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Aydin Payne
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On the move: Stanhope's Jye Adamson.
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Aydin Payne
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Standing tall: Stanhope's Alex Young.
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Aydin Payne
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Eyes on it: Shepparton East's Dwain Vidler.
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Aydin Payne
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Get it forward: Shepparton East's Ian Fry knocks the ball forward.
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Aydin Payne
Stanhope on-baller Nathan O’Reilly was a standout for the Lions with his ball-winning ability and composure a highlight, while winger Jono Pearson and Layne Baker provided support.
“That was a really good win ... we knew today was going to be a massive challenge and it was a big challenge,” Osborne said post-match.
“I felt we didn’t really get away from them too much, but it was a few goals late that helped get us the win.”
Osborne said he was proud of his charges for the way they were able to regroup and bounce back after Stanhope made life difficult in the first half.
“The message was ‘this is the quarter that probably wins it for us’ we knew if we could work hard when they’ve got the wind and at least level them we’ll set ourselves up,” he said.
“To the boys’ credit they worked hard in that third quarter and stopped them from scoring which allowed us to take it away at the end.
“The backline played well, held their positions well and got the job done.
“Every week Tom (McCluskey) works hard, but I thought Tommy Campbell performed well. Ryan was good again, Jamie’s found some form down back and Jai (Morrison) did a good job on big Rennie.”
Around the grounds, Merrigum went down by eight points to Tallygaroopna despite a seven-goal outing to coach Jaydon Stiles.
Dookie United walked away from Avenel with a 19-point win and Lancaster brushed aside Violet Town by 98 points.
Meanwhile, Murchison-Toolamba got over Longwood 8.8 (56) to 1.7 (13) in a muddy affair down at Redlegs Stadium.
On Sunday, Nagambie was far too strong for a gallant Undera to pencil in a 16.23 (119) to 13.1 (79) triumph.
Undera led early at the first break, but the Lakers were able to flex their muscles in the second quarter to enter the main break 9.11 (65) 9.0 (55).
The Lakers were slow to start the contest, but managed to get on top thanks to their on-ball brigade led by Tom Barnes and Trent and Blake Laverie.
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