East Keilor’s charge to the Essendon District Football League finals has continued with a hard-fought 25-point win over cross-town rival Keilor Park.
In what was a tough hit-out for both teams, the Cougars grabbed hold of the lead early and refused to let it go.
After holding a five-point advantage at half-time, East Keilor took the game away from the Devils in the third term.
The home side booted five goals to one to extend its margin to 32 points going into the final change.
The deficit was always going to be tough for Keilor Park to overcome.
Despite winning the quarter, the Devils couldn’t get close as the Cougars secured a 10.12 (72) to 6.11 (47) win.
For East Keilor, Paris Grampas kicked three goals, while around the ground Dean Roberts and Robert Rutley were impressive. The Cougars’ 10th win of the season has them in outright second place on the ladder.
Despite a minor hiccup against Jacana in round 10, East Keilor looks the most likely side to challenge Roxburgh Park’s domination.
Roxburgh Park is on top of the ladder with a perfect 12-0 record.
In what will be a blockbuster clash, the top two sides will meet next week at Overland Reserve.
East Keilor will take on bottom of the table Burnside Heights this week.
Elsewhere in the EDFL, a blistering first quarter helped Taylors Lakes get the better of Hillside by 57 points.
The Lions dominated the contest early, booting seven first-quarter goals to one to take a 35-point lead into the opening break.
Despite Hillside fighting back to win the second quarter, the scoreboard damage was too great to overcome.
Taylor Lakes went on to kick 10 goals in the second half on the way to an 18.11 (119) to 9.8 (62) win.
The result increases the gap between the ladder’s top pair and the Lions, who are in outright third spot. The Sharks are in sixth.
Meanwhile, in premier division results, Keilor slipped to fourth after a 10-point loss to Strathmore, 10.9 (69) to 8.11 (59).
