Southern league: Cranbourne beats Springvale Districts by 100 points

The Eagles’ stunning 100-point win, fuelled by a scintillating 11.1 opening quarter, left a rival coach wondering how they can be stopped in Southern league.

Mitch White soars high for the Cranbourne Eagles on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Cranbourne raised its game to another level on Saturday to bank its ninth win in Southern league Division 1.

The ladder leading Eagles stunned Springvale District with an opening quarter avalanche that yielded 11.1.

Casey Demons VFL captain Mitch White, wearing Cranny colours for the second time, kicked four goals in a best-on-ground display as the Eagles bolted off with a 100-point win, 24.15 (159) to 9.5 (59).

Fellow VFL Demon George Grey also starred for Cranbourne, which also named Brandon Osborne, Bailey Buntine, Ryan Davey and Nick Darbyshire among its best.

Eagles champion Marc Holt booted four goals to take his tally to 42 for the season.

Nick Russo capped an impressive display with two goals from the midfield. And teenage livewire Tyson Barry slotted three goals.

Tyson Barry snaps.

...and goals.

Springvale Districts’ side included former AFL forward Tyrone Vickery (one goal) and VFL star Matt Wetering (three goals) but the Demons had no answer to Cranbourne’s quick and decisive ball movement.

Springvale Districts coach Kris Thompson said Cranbourne was a class above.

“When they got on a roll they were just too good,’’ he said.

“If they play like that no one will beat them.

“I think them and Cheltenham are the standout sides.’’

Cranbourne coach Steve O’Brien said his side relished the dry and still conditions at Livingston Reserve.

“Our ball use early was just outstanding and it made it really hard for them to defend us,’’ he said.

O’Brien said White, who played predominantly forward, and Grey in the midfield were exceptional.

“They really set the scene with their fitness,’’ he said.

“It was pretty good to watch I’ve got to say.’’

Cranbourne coach Steve O’Brien. Picture: Valeriu Campan

O’Brien said the Eagles were “building nicely’’ as they chased a fairytale premiership in their first season in SFNL.

“We had a really good week on the tack and it’s a really big theme with us, if we have a good Tuesday session you can pretty much punch in we’re going to have a good week,’’ he said.

O’Brien praised bothers Brandon and Glenn Osbourne, who mourned the loss of their grandfather during the week.

“The way they went about their business to honour their grandfather was outstanding,’’ he said.

In other Division 1 games:

*Aaron Edwards fired off six goals to help St Kilda City to a 38-point win over Port Melbourne Colts, 16.16 (112) to 11.8 (74). Madison Andrews, Matt McNaughton and Anthony Malamas also impressed for the 7-3 Saints.

*Myke Cook was best afield and Josh Fox kicked five goals in Cheltenham’s 73-point win over Dingley, 18.11 (119) to 6.10 (46).

*Former Richmond forward Brett O’Hanlon kicked eight goals as Mordialloc evened its win-loss ledger at 5-5 with a 32-point win over East Malvern, 13.10 (88) to 8.8 (56).