EFL Division 2: East Burwood steals points in cliffhanger

East Burwood overcame a late scare from a plucky Templestowe outfit on Saturday in an extraordinary EFL Division 2 finish.

EAST BURWOOD has survived an almighty scare on the way to a fourth consecutive victory.

The Rams pipped a gallant Templestowe in a cliffhanging finish on Saturday, 14.7 (91) to 13.9 (87), courtesy of an Ed McCutchan goal on the siren.

While the match seemed all but over at quarter-time as East Burwood piled on five majors to nil, the eighth-placed Dockers staged a stunning second-half fightback following a 31-point deficit at the main break.

Templestowe overturned a 31-point half-time deficit. Picture: Davis Harrigan

The visitors cut the margin to 16 points at the final change before hitting the front in the final term, setting the scene for the heart-stopping finish.

Rams senior coach Stuart Wynd admitted his side was “lucky” to escape with the win, lauding Templestowe as the better of the two sides.

“There was about a minute and a half to go and big Zac Hanlen kicked (a goal) from about 45 out and then Ed McCutchan took a mark on an angle near the goal square with about 20 seconds to go,” Wynd said.

“We got a clearance, got it forward, he (McCutchan) took a mark and as he kicked it the siren went.

“I think they (Templestowe) were the better team to be honest, we probably stole it in the end from them … I think we were a bit lucky to be honest.

“I thought quite a few of our boys were down today to be honest so it was really good that we ended up getting the win.”

There was no shortage of thrills in Saturday’s Division 2 clash. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Wynd believes the dominant start to the match saved his side as the Dockers surged with 10.6 to 6.3 after half-time.

“Our first quarter was amazing – I think we kicked five goals to nothing and that was pretty much the game,” he said.

“They won the last three quarters, but it was just that lead we had in the first quarter that got us over the line in the end.”

The Dockers surged with 10 goals to six in the second half. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Evan Stamatopoulos finished best afield for East Burwood in his first game since Round 6, providing plenty of run off half-back while Wynd also praised Matt Martini and Chris Spiteri for their work in the middle. Braeden Barlow led the way in attack with three majors.

Meanwhile, midfielders Jesse Wilson and Alex Brown stood out for the Dockers.

East Burwood coach Stuart Wynd says his group was ‘lucky’ to pinch the win. Picture: Davis Harrigan

The win lifts the Rams to a 9-2 record, three games clear in third spot on the ladder.

“The competition’s super tight … I think we were pretty lucky we started the year well winning the first five, so when you can bank wins early, that’s just crucial and we’ve been able to roll on and win a couple of close ones this year,” Wynd said.

“The difference between winning close ones and losing close ones is massive in terms of ladder position.”

East Burwood takes on Mulgrave away in Round 12 while Templestowe hosts South Belgrave.