Doncaster moves to 2-1 record in the Eastern Football League after nine-point win over South Croydon

SOUTH Croydon and Doncaster put on a local football show for the ages at Cheong Park, kicking a combined 35 goals in an exhilarating display of the game’s best features.

Nick Komen kicked five goals on Saturday. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

IT WAS observed as one of the great Eastern Football League games in recent memory.

Two Division 1 finals contenders filled with daring play, slick ball movement and lots of goals in glorious autumn sunshine.

South Croydon and Doncaster put on a local football show for the ages on Saturday at Cheong Park, kicking a combined 35 goals in an exhilarating display of the game’s best features.

But it was the Sharks who came away with the four points, overrunning the defending premiers to score a 18.14 (122) to 17.11 (113) victory.

South Croydon stretched its margin to beyond five goals at the start of the third quarter before the Sharks rallied to three-quarter time.

The visitors kicked four of the next five goals to trim the deficit to 16 points at the final break before slamming home eight majors in the fourth term, the victory importantly keeping the Sharks ahead of the ledger with a 2-1 record.

Doncaster coach Andrew Tranquilli. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Nick Komen was best afield with five goals, while Chandler medallist Chris Annakis continued his fine start to the season with four majors to be among the best players.

“It was a high quality game, I won’t say we stole it, I believe we won it but as I said it was a high quality game,” Doncaster coach Andrew Tranquilli said.

“Even the talk with the crowd after the game, they just really enjoyed the style of football, it was two games who aren’t afraid to take it on, it was just really good local footy at its best.”

Tranquilli praised his side’s ability to stay within striking distance in the first half when the tide was against his side.

“It was a big game for us and we made a bit of a pact before the game that it was a non-negotiable we take the four points,” he said.

“Couldn’t be more prouder of the boys but it shows we’re vulnerable if we’re not switched on.”

In Division 2, former Carlton pair Brock McLean and Simon White combined to help Doncaster East to a 10-point win over Bayswater, while Park Orchards scored a 14-point win over Croydon.

In Division 3, Warrandtye fell to a 39-point loss against Heathmont, while Templestowe upstaged Donvale by 29 points.