EFL 2018: Boronia records its 12th win of the Division 3 season after a four-point victory over Heathmont

BORONIA can all but start planning for a qualifying final date against Scoresby after surviving a second-half comeback from Heathmont to secure a gritty four-point victory.

BORONIA can all but start planning for a qualifying final date against Scoresby after surviving a second half comeback from Heathmont on Saturday to secure a gritty four-point victory.

The Hawks led by 41 points at the first change after a six-goal opening term before the Jets almost pinched an unlikely win at H.E Parker Reserve.

SHARKS ANNOUNCE THEMSELVES AS FLAG THREAT

Boronia was kept to just one goal in the second half but held on for a 10.13 (73) to 9.15 (69) victory to move three games and percentage clear in third on the Eastern Football League Division 3 ladder with four rounds remaining.

With games to come against bottom four sides Ferntree Gully, Warrandyte and Chirnside Park in the next three weeks, it would appear the Hawks will play Scoresby in the first week of finals.

Jarrod Lake is brought to ground in a tackle. Picture: Steve Tanner

Barring a calamitous collapse, unbeaten Ringwood will likely finish on top, while The Basin’s 29-point win over Templestowe moved it a step closer to securing fifth position and an elimination final berth against Heathmont.

Despite Heathmont’s brave comeback, Boronia coach Matt Clark said his side were worthy winners.

“Although the margin was close, we totally deserved to get the win and they would have snatched one for sure,” Boronia coach Matt Clark said.

“We knew there was a hell of a lot riding on it and they certainly made us aware of that so it really gives us a good little break now, we can attack the rest of the year knowing if we take care of business that we’ll be a top-three side.”

The result was also Boronia’s fourth game decided by eight points or less, prevailing on each occasion to sit 12-2.

“We’ve had some really good tight wins against some quality opposition now so it gives us a bit of belief in our resilience and resolve that we can hang on,” Clark said.

“Probably when the momentum is against us, we can still find a way to make sure we hang on and get the result we want.”