By Marcus Uhe
Narre Warren’s thrashing of Woori Yallock in a grand final rematch from 2022 has highlighted the gap between the top two sides and the rest of the field in Outer East Premier football.
Not even a trip up to Woori Yallock could halt the Magpies’ momentum, opening the game with seven goals in the first quarter to break free early in the contest.
It could have been significantly worse for the Tigers too, given the Magpies kicked 7.8 to lead by 42 points at the first break.
An even second quarter kept the margin at seven goals at the half, before eight goals to four after half time consolidated the Magpies’ ascendency.
Six multiple goalkickers spread the load across the forward line, as Will Howe, Tom Toner, Jesse Davies, Lachlan Benson and Hamish West all kicked two, but skipper Jake Richardson led the way for his side with three, with the reigning premiers winning 18.16 124 to 8.6 54.
The 70-point thrashing continues Woori Yallock’s up-and-down season, and further widens the gap between the top two and the field.
With all sides having now played eight matches, the Tigers sit third, a whopping 12 premiership points and 120 percentage points behind the Magpies in second.
Compounding matters is Wandin, in first, who have a game and 15 per cent on Narre Warren.
Tied for points with Woori Yallock is the resurgent Pakenham, having won its last three contests.
In yet another comeback finish, Ash Green’s side recovered from a seven-point deficit at three-quarter-time against Olinda Ferny Creek by kicking six goals to two in the final term, to finish 19-point winners on its home turf, 12.12 84 o 9.11 65.
With the wind blowing to the scoreboard end once again, Olinda’s inaccuracy in front of goal was costly, kicking 3.5 in the opening quarter for just a 16-point led at quarter time.
After Pakenham cut the lead to just three at the long break, the arrival of rain meant the visitors could not fully capitalise on the conditions in the third quarter, only extending their lead by a further four points.
While Pakenham were outscored kicking to the highway end, it was able to make the most of the advantage when kicking with the breeze.
Tahj De La Rue continues to make a name for himself, and his fellow 17-year-olds in Josh Trembath and Ryan Martini more then held their own.
Martini, the captain of the under 17 side, exhibited his clean skills across half forward, filling the absence of Bailey Stiles.
Swingman Jordan Stewart kicked three goals to continue his excellent season, plugging holes where Green requires.
The young and resilient Lions face a huge test against Narre Warren this week, but the result should prove an indication of just how far they have come since the beginning of the year.
At Upwey Tecoma, the Tigers’ frustrating season continues after relinquishing a 15-point three-quarter-time lead to Monbulk to lose by three points.
The Tigers led at every break but were held goalless in the last quarter as the Hawks kicked the final three to storm home and grab a much-needed third win of the campaign.
