By Paul Pickering
LYNDALE has all but confirmed its spot in Southern Football League’s Division Two next season after a rousing comeback victory at Moorabbin on Saturday.
After trailing by five goals at quarter-time, the Pumas booted 13 goals to Moorabbin’s two for the remainder of the match to record a comfortable six-goal win.
It was Lyndale’s third win of the season, giving the Pumas a two-game buffer on cellar dweller – and likely relegation candidate – Hampton with five rounds to play.
The visitors were guided by a best on ground performance from ball-magnet Jeff Dudi, while club stalwart Ed McLean (two goals) and Matt Keane (two) both made an immediate impact on their return to the ones.
Ryan Aitchison, Aaron Baldsing, Daud Khan and Christian Egan (three) were also among the Pumas’ best.
Elsewhere in Division Two, Dingley did its bit to help the Pumas out, accounting for Hampton by 79 points.
The Dingoes were never challenged, with rugged utility Jake Moore (four goals) leading the way in his most productive outing of the season.
Meanwhile, Springvale Districts was left ruing the one that got away after its Division One loss to Tooronga Malvern on Saturday.
After leading the more-fancied Panthers at every break, the Demons condemned themselves to a gut-wrenching defeat by registering just seven behinds in the final term.
The wayward finish capped off a goalless second half for the home side, while Tooronga Malvern booted 8.1 after the main break to run out a 13-point winner.
In the search for positives, Springvale Districts will find some solace in the continued form of midfielder Nigel Scott, roaming tall Dean Kovacic and defender John McMurray.
Similarly, Paul Murphy, Jason Hall and Daniel McKee made valuable contributions as their side built a 28-point half-time lead.
In Division Three, the Doveton Eagles showed no mercy to Sandown, kicking 17 goals in a stunning second-half display to win by 113 points.
Eagles half-forward Cameron Van-nes bagged eight majors in an eye-catching performance, while Ricky Ramsdale (five) and Stephen Wright (four) also proved dangerous in front of goals.
Despite the goalfest up forward, it was club president Paul Davis who had the greatest influence on the game, while Will Bentley and Troy Humphries also found their share of the footy.
For the Cobras, Daniel McMahon, Shane Cosstick and Lem Nguyen were among few winners, while Anthony Leek and Paul Wright booted two goals apiece.
At Skye, the hometown Bombers made light work of their clash with Dandenong, winning every quarter on their way to a 57-point triumph.
Emerging Demon Preoshun Poonaswamy led the resistance for the visitors, but an upset never looked likely.
Round 14 match-ups: Division One: Springvale Districts at Highett. Division Two: Ashwood at Lyndale, Moorabbin at Dingley. Division Three: Sandown at Dandenong, South Yarra at Doveton.
