EFL 2019: Wantirna South scores tense five-point win over Bayswater

Wantirna South broke its run of narrow defeats dating back two years after prevailing by five points against Bayswater to be just one of two sides undefeated in Division 1.

Taylor Leggate has a shot on goal for Wantirna South. Picture Adrian Waller

A series of close results cost Wantirna South a finals berth in 2018.

But the Devils broke their run of seven narrow defeats on Saturday after prevailing by five points against Bayswater on Saturday.

It was the first time Wantirna South had won a game decided by under seven points since the corresponding round two years ago when it pipped Mitcham by five points.

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The Devils pulled out to a 20-point advantage midway through the final term when Tim Lee dribbled a goal from the pocket.

Anthony Van Rooyen sends Bayswater forward. Picture: James Ross/AAP

But Baysy kicked the last three goals of the game as it threatened a come-from-behind victory after it had trailed for all of the second half.

Two crucial pack marks deep in defence from Jake Denes and captain Luke Williams in the final stages denied Baysy’s charge in a final quarter that fell one second short of reaching 33 minutes.

Williams also showed his class just before the three-quarter time siren when he kicked the Devils’ eighth goal from near the Bayswater Oval boundary line at the Mountain Highway end.

The shot proved to be the last kick of the term, giving his side a 14-point buffer at the final change.

The game was hardly one for the highlights reel but lifted Wantirna South to a 2-0 start under new coach Steve Cochrane.

The experienced mentor said he was pleased his side showed its grit when Bayswater looked like it may pinch victory.

Lincoln Wong was in the best players for Wantirna South. Picture Adrian Waller

“They had a bit of momentum, they were running, they were taking risks, the risks were coming off and we couldn’t get our hands on the ball and when we did we’d turn it over,” Cochrane said.

“It was a bit of a learning for our guys just to slow it down a little bit but I was pretty pleased in the last minute when we were under the pump to get repeat stoppages.”

Bryce Galvin kicked consecutive goals midway through the last quarter to shave the margin to nine points.

Mitch Grubb reduced the difference to under a goal at the 25-minute mark but Wantirna South survived a tense finish to score a 9.12 (66) to 9.7 (61) win.

“We probably didn’t have the greatest day, which is always a good sign if you can still get over the line,” Cochrane said.

“I thought patches we were good and we dominated but I thought in patches they were pretty good as well, particularly early. I thought they dominated large parts of the first half but we were in front, which was bizarre.”

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