Keilor overcome slow start to take points

Nick O'Kearney. Pic Marco De Luca

Keilor overcame a difficult start against West Coburg to claim victory in the Essendon District Football League premier division.

It was a tough first half for the Blues, who made too many fundamental errors and weren’t able to get the play into their forward 50 the way they wanted.

Despite that, the Blues still led by five points at the main break.

The Blues limited their errors in the second half and they started to find avenues to goal.

The lead was up to 30 points at half-time, before an even final quarter gave the Blues a 13.18 (96)-8.15 (63) victory.

Dean Galea kicked three goals for the Blues, while Damian Cavka helped make West Coburg’s defence more accountable.

Zak Wunhym and Nick O’Kearney were named the Blues best, while Jamie Papalia did a mountain of work, including laying 17 tackles.

The game wasn’t without negatives with the side finishing with just one fit player on the bench. The Blues sit third after four rounds, with three wins.

In division 2, a poor first quarter proved costly for Burnside Heights against Moonee Valley in Essendon District Football League division 2.

The Bears trailed by 29 points at the first break, with both sides not making the most of their opportunities.

The Bears were able to stay within touch, but not close enough as they lost 21.9 (135)-13.19 (97).

The Bears sit fourth after three rounds, with one win having had a bye in round one.

Meanwhile, division 1 teams Hillside and Taylors Lakes both had byes.

In the EDFL Women’s competition, Burnside Heights remains undefeated after beating the Sunbury Kangaroos.

Both sides entered the game undefeated and the Bears got the jump early.

While the match was more even after that, the Bears were better in front of goal, winning 9.11 (65)-1.5 (11).

Hillside proved no match for the undefeated Pascoe Vale side losing 16.20 (116)-0.0 (0), while Avondale Heights-Taylors Lakes lost to Keilor 15.10 (100)-0.1 (1).

Keilor Park lost to Westmeadows, 4.12 (36)-2.1 (13).

With the four grading rounds over, a decision on whether the competition will stay in one grade or split into two grades is expected early this week.