EFL 2019: Balwyn scores gritty 10-point win to deny North Ringwood its first victory of the season

There was a sigh of relief from Balwyn supporters around Quambee Reserve after the Tigers held out a determined North Ringwood.

Alex Urban fires off a handball for Balwyn. Picture: Stuart Milligan

There was a sigh of relief from Balwyn supporters around Quambee Reserve on Saturday after the Tigers held out a determined North Ringwood.

The Saints’ combined losing margin across the first two rounds was 163 points, but the home side threatened an upset.

North Ringwood trailed by 21 points at quarter-time but rallied to lead by eight points at the final change, dominating the middle two periods when it kicked 10.3 to 5.4.

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But the Saints couldn’t carry their momentum into the last quarter as Balwyn lifted to record a gritty 10-point win.

Charlie Haley kicked three goals for the winners. Picture: Stuart Milligan

The win was even more noteworthy given the Tigers were down to one rotation in the final term, as Marc O’Regan (calf), Christian Sanfilippo (hamstring) and Tom Davis (corkie) watched from the bench.

North Ringwood was restricted to just one goal in the last quarter, while Balwyn kicked three goals from nine scoring shots to record a 12.15 (87) to 12.5 (77) win.

Balwyn coach Rodney Eade praised his side’s response when it appeared the result may have been slipping from its grasp.

“They had all the momentum, they were up and about, the crowd was behind them and they played some good footy,” Eade said.

“It was a really good effort; I was really pleased with what we were able to do when we were challenged. We had to dig deep and everyone responded.

“In the last quarter we had the ball in our half (for) I reckon 80 per cent of the time and really controlled it but just couldn’t put the score on the board.

“The character shown in the last quarter and the willingness to stick to the system and our structures was very pleasing.”

Rodney Eade in the huddle. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Charlie Haley found some touch up forward to kick three goals against his former club.

“I was really pleased with Charlie – he was probably close to our best forward,” Eade said.

“He gave three away and set up quite a few, didn’t play his normal way, which was pleasing – he wasn’t taking the world on. He set a couple up with ability to run through the lines but he was good.”

O’Regan, Sanfilippo and Davis join Xavier Richards (hamstring) and Kris Pendlebury (calf) on the injury list.

Pendlebury is rated a “chance” to return against Rowville this weekend, but Richards will miss another month.

Recruit Jack Martin should also return.

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