By RUSSELL BENNETT
A 14-GOAL first half gave Upwey Tecoma an insurmountable advantage at the main break over Emerald in YVMDFL Division 1 action on Saturday – storming to a 65-point win, 21.15 (141) to 12.4 (76).
The hometown Tigers booted six goals-to-one in the first quarter but had 13 scoring shots-to-two, outlining their dominance.
The second term continued in a similar vein, but after the break the Bombers clicked into gear, booting six majors of their own in one of their best quarters for the year and adding some respectability to the scoreboard.
Upwey was too strong all over the ground for the most part though, creating 20 more scoring shots.
Alex Hellriegel booted four majors up forward for the visitors in his best output for the season, while Justin Davis and player-coach Josh Taylor added two apiece. Trent Wilson made his senior Bombers debut and played a starring role, while Luke McKenna was again at his reliable best. Ed Pascoe, Nathan Bownds and Michael Dompietro also stood up to be counted for the visitors; while Chad Davis, Sam Gooley and Daniel Waters (four goals) were superb for the Tigers, who had 12 separate goal-kickers. Dylan Sloane, brother of Adelaide superstar Rory, slotted three.
Three games and percentage behind Belgrave in last on the Division 1 ladder, the Bombers will be back in the second tier next season. But with a new playing surface and new facilities on the way, it likely won’t be long before they return to the top flight of the YVMDFL.
In Division 2 action on Saturday, Gembrook Cockatoo player-coach Leigh McCombe continued his outstanding goal-kicking run with 11 of his side’s 12 majors in a 20-point win over Yarra Junction, 12.7 (79) to 9.5 (59).
McCombe has now kicked 24 goals in the past two weeks and is second only to Seville star Nathan O’Keefe in the league’s goal-kicking. Brad Porter, Chris Vernal and Luke Tyrrell also shone as the Brookers rung in their 10-year 2004 premiership reunion in style. For the Eagles, meanwhile, Todd Cordwell, Lachlan Cove and Daniel Amrein stood strong while David Lever and Matt Jones slotted two goals apiece.
