SIX unanswered thirdquarter goals set Beaconsfield seniors up for a fighting 17point win against ROC on Saturday.
The return of 2005 league best and fairest Daniel Charles to the lineup gave the Eagles a confidence boost as the teams battled for the Shanika’s Cup.
A frantic opening term saw many turnovers with both sides keen to grab the early ascendancy.
A goal on the siren gave the Eagles the lead at the first break. Haydn Robins was causing ROC headaches early and Charles was relishing being on the ground for the first time in some weeks.
With neither side giving an inch it was four goals apiece in the second quarter with Clint Evans playing his 50th senior game for Beaconsfield continuing his good form from recent outings. With the game up for grabs, ROC was unable to match the intensity of the Eagles in the third quarter as midfielders Rob Taylor and Kris Fletcher benefited from the dominance of Chris Kelf in the ruck.
Beaconsfield controlled play and finished the term with a sevengoal buffer.
ROC was stung into action, holding sway for the early part of the final term, getting within 12 points midway through the quarter.
However, the Eagles were able to steady and finish the game in front.
Scores: Beaconsfield 18.11.119 d ROC 15.12.102.
Goals Beaconsfield: Clint Evans 6, Haydn Robins 4, Luke McConnell, David White 3, Daniel Mislicki, Ash Salter, 1.
Best Beaconsfield: Rob Taylor, Chris Kelf, Kris Fletcher, Clint Evans, Ash Salter.
RESERVES
The return of Michael Fisher and Craig Jackson from overseas bolstered Beaconsfield on Saturday.
On paper the Eagles looked hard to beat, but they got off to a poor start with ROC leading by two goals at quarter time.
Inaccuracy by the Kangaroos in the second term gave Beaconsfield the chance to get to halftime still well in the game.
ROC was full of running after the break and left the Eagles in their wake as they pushed to a fourgoal lead at the last change.
Beaconsfield gave its best in the last quarter, but was unable to bridge the gap, falling short by one straight kick.
Scores: Beaconsfield 6.10.46 lost to ROC 7.10.52.
Goals Beaconsfield: Dale Ruse, James Brown 2, Michael Fisher, Brendan Jarman, 1.
Best: Steve Munday, James Brown, Dale Ruse, Jarrod Cox, Craig Jackson, Michael Fisher.
UNDER 18
Struggling for fit players after a bruising encounter the previous week, ROC was unable to match the welldrilled Beaconsfield.
In a very even performance Paul Van Lambaart, Ryan Olsson and James Alexander stood out as the Eagles powered to a comprehensive victory over the undermanned ROC.
Scores: Beaconsfield 28.19.187 d Keysborough 1.3.9.
Goals Beaconsfield: Ryan Olsson 5, Darren Fellows, Luke Kowalski 4, Reece Pater 3, Jesse Linkins, Paul Van Lambaart, James Alexander, Scott Jolliffe 2, Rob Kemperman, Aaron Gwozdziewski, Brenton Goldsack, Nick Smith, 1.
Best: James Alexander, Kal Burns, Jesse Linkins, Ryan Olsson, Paul Van Lambaart.
COLTS
Beaconsfield played its final homeandaway match for the season against Hallam at Hallam.
A win would keep alive the coveted double chance with the top two sides playing next week, the third placed Eagles can take second spot if second placed Seaford falter.
Expectations were high for a tough, tight contest with the first round game a nailbiter.
In a clear example of the improvement made by the Colts, they took the game by the scruff of the neck early and were never headed.
With their trademark inaccuracy, the Eagles managed only four goals from 17 scoring shots in the first half, but were well in control. Accuracy improved after the long break and the Eagles went on to a 104point win.
Scores: Beaconsfield 17.20.122 d Hallam 2.6.18.
Goals Beaconsfield: Josh Dodsworth 4, Rhys Barton 3, Mark Griffiths, Denee Lalouette 2, Ryan George, Matthew Hahnel, Tom Randle, Brad Sheehan, Daniel White 1.
Best Beaconsfield: Denee Lalouette, Tom Randle, Scott Stanley, Josh Dodsworth, Mark Griffiths, Rhys Barton.
