Panton Hill claims bragging rights in NFL Division 3 top-two battle
Panton Hill scored two big wins aside from the four points when it ended premiership rival Laurimar’s perfect season and gained a psychological edge on the eve of finals.
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Panton Hill ended Laurimar’s bid for an undefeated season and claimed a crucial psychological win on the eve of finals on Saturday.
In the battle of the NFL Division 3 top two, the Redbacks avenged a one-point loss in Round 4 with a 36-point triumph at Laurimar Reserve.
The premiership contenders will meet again in September and coach Steve Layt believed the early-season defeat had proved strong motivation.
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“It wasn’t talked about too much but we’ve got some experienced players that don’t like losing,” Layt said.
“I just knew the guys were pretty dirty about Round 4 and I knew they’d lift.”
Rhys Boyden booted seven goals to inspire the 18.9 (117) to 12.9 (81) victory, getting the better of Power star William Ratje.
Brent Ryan was dominant in defence while Daniel Freeman and Sam Parks stepped up when needed most.
Injuries to key midfielders Scott Conte, Matt Fowler and forward Matt Bryon soured the Redbacks’ win.
After a tight opening, Panton Hill kicked into gear in the second term, piling on five goals to claim a 12-point half-time advantage.
The Redbacks extended their lead to 20 points in the third term and a six-goal fourth quarter iced the triumph.
“We finished with one player on the bench but we were able to improvise and that was pleasing, the way we were able to cover,” Layt said.
“Rhys’ form’s been really good, but in particular the last four or five weeks.
“Seven against a seriously good opposition player and to be fair to him, Boydo has struggled with him the last few games.
“BR, I rate him extremely highly, he’s one of the top two or three defenders in the competition.
“His intercept marking was fantastic, his attack on the footy, his tackling, he led from the front.”
Panton Hill will get another taste of finals this weekend when it hosts third-placed Kilmore, which returned to form with a convincing 65-point win over Heidelberg West.
Elsewhere in Division 3, Eltham Collegians produced their best win of the season with a 65-point hammering of South Morang that leaves the Lions’ finals hopes hanging by a thread.
Mernda survived an almighty scare from Lalor, squeezing past the brave Bloods by a point to keep its finals hopes alive.
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