AFL Outer East: Beaconsfield gets over Upwey Tecoma to earn some reward after a string of narrow losses

Beaconsfield is knocking on the door of the Premier Division top five after running away from Upwey Tecoma in the second half at the Upwey Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

Beaconsfield is knocking on the door of the Premier Division top five after running away from Upwey Tecoma in the second half at the Upwey Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

After a tight tussle to the main break, the Eagles soared to a 19.13 (127) to 7.13 (55) win.

Damien Johnston, Michael Misso, Jesse Patullo and Jacob Patullo shared the scoring load with three apiece while Jake Bowd and Matthew Homfray joined Jacob Patullo as Beaconsfield’s three best.

Pierce Rooney kicked three goals to be named the Tigers’ best

Beaconsfield coach Leigh McQuillan said, after a number of narrow losses this season, the win was a shot in the arm for his side's finals hopes.

“I said to the guys during the week, we’ve lost three games by a total of less than five goals," he said. “We’ve been so close.

“It’s huge, it’s massive. I said to the guys we’ve got a mountain to climb (from sixth) but it’s a good challenge and we’re excited about having that climb.”

Beaconsfield’s Jacob Patullo does battle with Upwey Tecoma’s Liam O’Brien. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Beaconsfield, more accustomed to the wide open spaces of Holm Park, faced its first challenge of a smaller Yarra Ranges ground when it took to Chosen Ave but the coaching staff had left nothing to chance during the week.

“We trained all week on the smaller ground, we pulled in the boundaries and trained in the confined space,” he said. “It was just a slight modification.”

Meanwhile Berwick is pressing Narre Warren at the top of the ladder after a 20.17 (137) to 6.2 (38) win over the previously unbeaten Woori Yallock at Edwin Flack Reserve on Saturday.

A six-goal second quarter gave the Wickers an unassailable 53-point lead at halftime as Harrison Money bagged eight goals to take his season tally to 25.

Travis Tuck was best-afield for the home side while Hayden Smith, Zach Monkhorst and Michael Riseley did their best for the Tigers.

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Beaconsfield pressure. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Cranbourne maintains pressure on the Wickers and Narre after a 24.19 (163) to 7.4 (46) win over Healesville at the Showgrounds.

Already ahead by 49 points at halftime, Cranbourne placed an exclamation mark on its win when it held Healesville scoreless in the third term while piling on 10 goals itself.

Anthony Vella and Corey Ellison kicked four each for the Eagles with Anthony Burr and Mitchell Tharle adding three apiece while Thomas Marks was named best afield.

Rodney Woodford kicked three for the Bloods with Nick Mende and Jake Roe-Duggan again battling gamely.

And a 10-goal third term launched Narre Warren on its way to a 22.14 (146) to 8.7 (55) win over Wandin at Kalora Park while Olinda Ferny Creek had the week off courtesy of the bye.

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