By Tara Murray
Taylors Lakes has claimed its first scalp of the Essendon District Football League division 1 season as it starts to eye off finals.
The Lions had exceeded their expectations in the first half of the season but hadn’t beaten a team above them on the ladder.
That was until Saturday, when they renewed the local rivalry with Hillside and ended the Sharks five game winning streak.
Having not played each other for a few years, many didn’t know about the rivalry between the two clubs.
Lions coach Steve Burns, who has also coached the Sharks, said it was great to get the win against them.
“It’s the first time the rivalry has been struck up in a few years,’ he said. “It was really good to beat them at home and beat the old side.
“It was a bit weird during the week and we had to explain to the boys at the club [what the rivalry means].
“I think they were in a similar boat and it’s definitely back on after yesterday [Sunday].”
There wasn’t much between the sides for most of the day.
The Sharks led at quarter time before the Lions opened up a 22 point lead at half time. Hillside turned that into a one point lead heading into the final break.
Three goals to two in the final quarter sealed a 12.11 (83)-11.10 (76) win for the Lions.
Burns said neither side gave an inch.
“It was a hard, physical, contested game,” he said. “They lost one or two with injury.
“It was some of our better footy of the year. They are super quick and want it on the outside, we were trying to get it on the inside.”
Damian Petrone kicked three goals for the Lions, while Anthony Davoli and Lachlan Rayner kicked two each.
Rayner was named best on ground with Jake Hobbs and Chris Vulic other standouts for the Lions.
Lachlan Pettigrove and Mohammed Yassine were named as the Sharks best.
Burns said taking a scalp was the next step in their journey.
“Sitting at 5-4 after coming up from division 2, it’s been a pass mark so far,” he said. “We’re sitting in fifth spot and exceeding our expectations from the start of the year.
“I thought we would be a better second half side.
“It’s onwards and upwards from where we are.”
Burns said after the start to the season they were keen to have a crack at playing finals this year.
He pointed to what Oak Park did last year coming up from division 2 as something they were looking to do.
The Lions face Roxburgh Park this Saturday.
In other results, St Albans losing streak continued as they were upset by Roxburgh Park.
The Magpies started well and kept the Saints at arms length as they won 16.13 (109)-10.10 (70).
In premier division, Keilor and Deer Park both had wins against Essendon Doutta Stars and Airport West respectively.
