Matt Cox was straight into the action in the forward line as was Matt Dawson, with the two combining to score the Suns’ first goal of the day.
The game had plenty of intensity with both teams getting plenty of the ball though each side struggled to find the goals, with Melton going into the first break with a four-point lead.
Returning for the second quarter, Cox was right back in the action again, kicking the Suns’ first major for the quarter, after some great assisting work by Jeremy Mansfield.
With David Whitechurch working hard in the backline, the Melton Panthers were made to up their workrate, but were restricted to only one goal in the second term.
Across the ground, Shane Richardson rucked well, creating plenty of opportunities for the Suns, while Daniel Grixti made his welcome return to the Suns and kicked truly for the Suns’ second major, allowing them to go into the half-time break with an eight-point lead.
Melton started strongly in the third with a dominant mark in front of goal, however was unable to convert.
With the game starting to get some real feeling injected into it, the Suns controlled much of the play — and with Kego and Grixti converting, the Suns extended their lead to 20 points.
The last quarter was dominated by the Panthers coming back strongly at the Suns, though the Suns were able to hold on to the narrowest of margins and take away the win by a point.
Final score: Samaria Suns 7.10 (52) def Melton 7.9 (51)
Awards: Anna Little Myotherapy Award: Craig Andrew Williams
Suns Spirit Award: David Whitechurch - Fruits & Fare Voucher
Benalla Laserwash Award: A-Aron Stevens
The Pink Shop Award: Darby Morrison
Hollywood Cafe Award: Allan Crumb
The Early Bird Coffee Award: Shane J Richardson
Two Dogs Racing Award: Matt Dawson
Melton BOG: Shane J Richardson.
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