Hurstbridge overcome inaccuracy in front of goal to stun Macleod

It almost ended in heartbreak for an inaccurate Hurstbridge but the NFL Division 1 underdogs held firm to stun Macleod and claim one of the biggest upset wins of the season.

Troy Barbero in action for Hurstbridge.

Hurstbridge produced one of the shock upsets of the NFL Division 1 season on Saturday, beating Macleod by five points.

The Bridges’ inaccuracy in front of goal almost ended in heartbreak but they held firm to condemn last year’s grand finalist to a fifth defeat in seven games.

Captain Lachie East was commanding in defence as Hurstbridge held off a Roos final quarter comeback to triumph 9.16 (70) to 10.5 (65).

Coach Jarrod Tilley was pleased with his team’s form but conceded inaccuracy would cost them in the future.

“We’ve been feeling good the last couple of weeks, beat Lower Plenty and then ran North Heidelberg pretty close,” he said.

Tom Simpson in action for Hurstbridge. Picture: Stuart Milligan

“I said to the boys before the game credible losses aren’t good enough any more, we need to get results.

“The first quarter we had a lot of the play but couldn’t get any scoreboard pressure.

“By the end of the game you can see we had 10 more scoring shots and if you don’t convert you let teams back in.”

DIV 1: DEMOLITION PUTS ROOSTERS ON THE BOARD

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DIV 2: WIN GIVES WHITTLESEA HEAD OF S TEAM

East and young wingman Mitch Dale were outstanding in the win Troy Barbaro, Ryan Jackson and Nick Milne also impressed.

In his second game since returning to the club from Jacana, Cameron Cloke showed his value, kicking two goals and setting up several others.

“Cam did a heap of contested work, got his two goals and set up a lot of other guys,” Tilley said.

Hurstbridge coach Jarrod Tilley. Picture: Nathan McNeill

“Mitch Dale is a young player but he’s had a good month of football on the wing and Lachie is our general down back and played a great captain’s game.”

After a wasteful start, Hurstbridge clicked in the second quarter, kicking four goals to take a three-point lead into half-time.

The Bridges extended their lead to 13 points at the final change and had plenty of opportunities to kill the game off but they kicked 1.5 to keep Macleod in the game.

Elsewhere in Division 1, Greensborough produced arguably it’s best win of the season with a 38-point away win over North Heidelberg to keep its undefeated season intact.

In Division 2, Diamond Creek bounced back with an eight-point win over St Mary’s and in Division 3, Eltham Collegians secured its maiden win, defeating Lalor by 44 points.

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