Thomastown bounces back from defeat with dominant win over Watsonia

Former Saints, including six-goal star James Lucente, returned to haunt their old club as Thomastown bounced back in dominant fashion against Watsonia.

James Lucente in action for Thomastown. Picture: Field of View Photography

Thomastown players were put on notice last week and they responded in dominant fashion on Saturday.

After a shock two-point loss to Lower Plenty, the Bears bounced back in style with a 38-point win over NFNL Division 2 rival Watsonia at Binnak Park.

A first-quarter blitz set up the win, kicking 6.5 and holding the hosts goalless, before running out 14.14 (98) to 8.12 (60) winners.

In his first meeting against his former club, reigning league goalkicker James Lucente booted six goals, while fellow former Saints Charlie Khoury and Julian Janev also impressed.

Youseph Dib continued his outstanding season with a best-on-ground performance.

Thomastown was too good for Watsonia. Picture: Field of View Photography

Thomastown co-coach Sash Spiroski said a strong start had been a major focus heading into the game.

“We put it on the boys after last week’s close loss and they were great during the week at training and they responded,” Spiroski said.

“That first quarter especially, it was good to see, it shows their character after being challenged – we put it on them – and to come out and play like that was very pleasing.

“Our starts haven’t been the greatest, we’ve given away four or five goals early and had to play catch up in the majority of games.

“It was a big focus point this week to start well and put the opposition on the back foot early.”

Lucente and Khoury sparked the first quarter onslaught.

After a quiet start to the season, Lucente has found his rhythm with 13 goals in his last three games, while Khoury booted two majors.

“To be honest, in the back of our heads we knew they were coming up against their former club, but the boys were professional,” Spiroski said of his off-season recruits.

Shannon Ball gets a kick for Thomastown. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“They wanted to showcase and fire up and they did, we didn’t put any extra pressure on them.

“They’ve bought into everything we’ve put into place this year, they’ve been awesome, and were key factors in driving that start.

“Fortunately for them they got on the scoreboard early, Charlie and Jimmy, and then Julian later got the rewards for his work in midfield.”

The 37-point quarter-time lead proved decisive.

Watsonia responded in the second quarter, reducing the margin to 25 points at half-time, before Thomastown took control again in the third, extending the margin back out to 35.

In a tight finish, Thomastown were polished, kicking 3.2, while the Saints booted 2.5.

Spiroski said Dib had been tremendous since signing on over summer and had delivered in spades on and off the field.

“We’re stoked, he knew a few of the boys and wanted to come down and enjoy his football,” he said.

“He was close to getting drafted and played VFL but wasn’t enjoying it, it can be tough for a young kid when you just miss out.

“He’s been awesome, lives an hour away comes to training every Tuesday and Thursday, has bought in and wants to improve every week.”

Seb D’Arro impressed in defence, keeping league-leading goalkicker Ethan Lowe to two goals, while Lawrence Lo Piccolo, Lucente and Michael Tang were also impressive.

For Watsonia, Daniel Annetta was best afield in defeat, while Harry Sinclair, Luke Whyte and Cooper Burns stood tall.

Despite a 3-4 record, Thomastown sits fifth on percentage ahead of two clubs – Lower Plenty and Panton Hill.

The Bears host the Redbacks at Main Street Reserve on Saturday looking to win a home game and back-to-back games for the first time this season.

“We haven’t strung two wins together so it will be a big focus this week to get back on the track and get back-to-back wins,” Spiroski said.

“The seniors haven’t won a game at home yet either so we’ve got Panton Hill, which is a tough team, and one of many clubs around us vying for that fifth spot.

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“It’s vital we go back-to-back and get a bit of separation from the teams below us and catch up with the teams above.”

Watsonia will look to bounce back when it tackles Lower Plenty at Montmorency Park.

Elsewhere in Division 2, Whittlesea pipped South Morang by seven points in a clash of premiership contenders, while red-hot flag favourite Diamond Creek was too good for Lower Plenty by 42 points.

St Mary’s took care of Northcote Park by 14 points and Panton Hill defeated Laurimar by 25.