Dallyce Taylor’s eight goals helps Epping defeat Panton Hill in shootout
Epping forward Dallyce Taylor boots eight goals to inspire the Pingers to a critical win over Panton Hill in a high-scoring shootout.
Northern
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Epping returned to action with a dominant 40-point win over Panton Hill on Saturday.
After a two-week lockdown break, the Pingers secured their second win of the NFL Division 2 season in a shootout at Cracknell Reserve.
Dallyce Taylor booted eight goals to propel his team to a 22.15 (147) to 16.11 (107) victory, the club’s highest score since kicking 30.13 (193) against Fitzroy Stars in 2018.
While the decision to scrap relegation took some pressure off, the win all but guarantees Epping will avoid a second straight wooden spoon.
Epping coach Aaron Johnson, who’s job was surprisingly advertised during the week, said it was fantastic reward for his players.
“We’ve debuted 11 players this season and had 18 new faces in total between 2019 and this season, so it was always going to take some time,” he said.
“We’re developing as a team and showing some really positive signs heading into next season.
“We’ll be able to get another full pre-season together and I think we’ll be able to show what we’re capable of.”
The Pingers lead by 22 point at half-time and piled on another 12 goals in the second half, including a seven-goal final-quarter blitz.
It continued Panton Hill’s home ground hoodoo with the promoted Redbacks yet to register a win at Cracknell Reserve.
Johnson praised Taylor’s performance up front and the work of big man Michael Jacobson in the middle.
“Dallyce looked dangerous whenever the ball went inside 50m, he got on the end of some really good delivery from the midfield,” he said.
“That started with Michael’s work in the ruck, he gave us first use all day and pushed forward for three goals himself, which was really positive.
“Our whole forward line worked really well together, we had probably our strongest team in, Sage Dicello was in everything for us.”
Jesse Owens-Draper was best for Panton Hill, while Tait Forster, Scott Conte and Jake Maher (three goals) also performed strongly.
Epping is now a game clear of Fitzroy Stars in 10th place but face a difficult final two weeks with Eltham and Banyule to come.
The team lost to Eltham by 86 point and Banyule by 163 in their first meeting and Johnson just wants to see an improved defensive effort.
“Yeah, it’s going to be a difficult run home but it’s another opportunity for the boys,” he said.
“We’ve improved our scoring from last season and we’ll just be looking to narrow those margins in the final two games.”
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NFL: FINALS, RELEGATION PREDICTIONS FOR RUN HOME
Panton Hill host Watsonia looking to secure a first home win of the season.
The Northern Football League announced it would be scrapping relegation earlier this month as the league dealt with a second lockdown of the season.
It means Fitzroy Stars will also be safe with the NFL Division 3 premier to step up next season, creating an 11-team competition.
Two teams will then be relegated in 2022 to return to a 10-team fixture.
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