Hillside put in a dominant first half to set up a strong win over Oak Park on Saturday, keeping the Sharks inside the top four for another week.
The Sharks were heavily favoured in the Essendon District Football League division one match-up and showed some of their best form early in the game to take a stranglehold on the contest. An even second half, and some wayward goalkicking ended in a 14.18 (102)- 8.10 (58) win for the Sharks.
Hillside coach Steve Burns said while he would like to see his forwards kick a bit straighter, a strong win was always welcome.
“We felt like we had control of the contest by about 10 minutes into the game, and we were able to shut the game down in the second half, which was pleasing,” Burns said.
“We probably should have been 10 goals up at half time, missing some sitters we should have kicked, but I’m happy if we’re having 30 shots on goal because no matter the opposition we should be winning.
“Our backline functioned really well, and we won the midfield battle to give our forwards the chance. We’ll work on our conversion at training that’s for sure.”
It was the youth of Hillside who drove the win and Western Jets-listed players David Fruscalzo and Josh Klaromenos provided plenty of run and class through the middle.
While the Sharks kicked 5.1 in the first quarter, the inaccuracy crept into their game in the second term and they slotted 4.10 to lead by 44 at the long break.
Oak Park neutralised the contest to a degree after half time, but could not make any significant inroads into the lead as Hillside took a comfortable win.
The Sharks can further solidify their place in the top four when they take on fifth-placed Taylors Lakes in a huge game this weekend.
“It’s a massive game in the context of the season, and when you throw in the local rivalry it’s going to be a big day,” Burns said.
“We’re in front at the moment, so if we want to play finals then we need to win next week, it’s absolutely vital.
“In this division, anyone can beat anyone on any given day, that’s been proven time and again so you’ve got to be on your game.”
In division 2, Burnside Heights overcame a diabolical second quarter to run over the top of Roxborough Park.
While the game was an arm wrestle to begin with, a nine-goal second term from the visiting Magpies broke the game open and the Bears faced a 40-point deficit at the long break.
From there the Bears managed to tighten up their defence, conceding just two more goals for the rest of the game, and roared back into the contest via four goals from Josh Covelli.
Burnside Heights took the lead in the final quarter, and held on for a 13.8 (86)- 12.11 (83) win.
