Doveton has inflicted Keysborough’s first loss of the season after a gripping eight point win during their standalone Queen’s Birthday round clash on Saturday afternoon. Notwithstanding some poor kicking in front of goal, the visitors looked the better side for most of the day despite finding themselves on the back foot in the second half.
The first term began in entertaining fashion as both sides traded goal for goal in a free flowing contest with both teams finding plenty of space to run and carry. With a slight breeze blowing to bowls club end of the ground, Doveton were able to dominate the second term as they locked the ball in the forward half.
However their supremacy with ball in hand was not reflected on the scoreboard, wastefully kicking 1.8 with plenty of opportunities going begging. Keysborough were able to capitalise on Doveton’s poor conversion, slotting a goal from their sole scoring shot to trail by just nine points at the main break.
And it was the Burras who came out with all the momentum in the second half, kicking the only three goals of the term to take a seven point lead at the last change. Once again it was the Eagles kicking in front of goal which was causing headaches for the coaching staff, booting 0.6 in another rotten display.
The last quarter started off as a tough slog with both sides scrapping hard for possession. Doveton got the all-important first major before Keysborough struck back to reclaim the lead. But Doveton were beginning to slowly and surely get on top, managing to square the scores with less than two minutes remaining.
The Eagles once again looked as though they may have shot themselves in the foot when some gettable set shots were fluffed in the dying stages. But Nick Battle singlehandedly made sure his team would not be denied, snapping a late goal to put the result beyond doubt.
Andrew Ray was enormous all game for Doveton, chopping off several Keysborough attacks and providing plenty of drive from the defensive 50. Cameron Carmody was also huge in the ruck, often giving the Eagles midfielders first use whilst also getting around the ground to provide a strong marking target.
For Keysborough despite the loss being their first of the season, there was still plenty to like from stages of the game. Troy Cullen was exceptional all game as was Tim Werner who kicked three goals in a terrific performance.
