Epping pushes premiership claims in impressive win over Northern Football League Division 3 rival Mernda

EPPING produced a stingy defensive effort, limiting Mernda to four goals on its way to an impressive 58-point victory on Saturday.

Epping shapes as a leading contender in Division 3 this year. Picture: Kylie Else.

EPPING produced a stingy defensive effort, limiting Mernda to four goals on its way to an impressive 58-point victory on Saturday.

The Pingers climbed to second on the Division 3 ladder after their third-straight win.

The match finished 13.11 (89) to 4.7 (31) as Epping conjured an 83-point turnaround from its Round 1 loss to the Demons.

Josh Stavely was a standout for the Pingers in the Northern Football League clash, while Shane Wood and Tom Hughes also played key roles.

In other results, South Morang celebrated veteran forward Paul Harrison’s 300th senior game with a 111-point thumping of Kilmore.

Recruit Kane Maghamez stole the show for the Lions, slotting six majors in a 22.21 (153) to 6.6 (42) win.

Banyule overpowered Heidelberg West to win by 79 away from home, while Watsonia handed St Mary’s its first loss of 2016.

In Division 1, Bundoora went down by 13 points to West Preston-Lakeside.

The Bulls could not contain star Rooster Patrick Karnezis, who finished with five goals in his side’s 13.11 (89) to 12.4 (76) triumph.

Bundoora led at halftime but could not press home its advantage, giving up six goals in the third term to surrender the lead.

The Bulls kicked three goals in the last quarter but their fight was not enough as West Preston held on.

The loss left Bundoora fourth after six rounds.

Heidelberg, Northcote Park, Greensborough and Macleod were Saturday’s other winners.

The Borough came from behind at the final break to beat Whittlesea by 23 points.

In Division 2, Lalor posted its second win of the year against Panton Hill.

Six goals from Shannon Smith propelled the Bloods to a 13.16 (94) to 11.9 (75) win.

Thomastown was no match for unbeaten Hurstbridge, succumbing 11.15 (81) to 6.10 (46), while North Heidelberg pummelled Fitzroy Stars by 79 points.