Skye’s the limit for bold Eagles

IF there was any doubt that the Doveton Eagles are legitimate Division Three premiership contenders, it disappeared at Power Reserve on Saturday.
The third-placed Eagles made ladder leader Skye look pedestrian, leading at every change on their way to a 33-point victory.
Doveton set the win up by kicking six goals to Skye’s nil in the third term, before battening down the hatches as the Bombers blazed away to register 2.10 in the last quarter.
Kerry Davidson was the match-winner for the home side, booting six goals in a best-on-ground performance, while Brett Hidgcock, Adrian Piccioli and Steve Ognjenovic made valuable contributions.
Paul Davis and Cameron Van-nes kicked two goals apiece.
The win saw Doevton join Skye and Hampton on 11-2 for the season, with the Bombers holding onto top spot by virtue of a superior percentage.
Elsewhere in Division Three, Sandown jumped the Southern Dragons to take a four-goal quarter-time lead, before cruising to an 18-point win.
Glenn O’Byrne, Bo King and Ben Kinniburgh led the way for the Cobras, while Clint Sheedy kicked four up forward.
Meanwhile, Dandenong missed a gilt-edged opportunity to record its third consecutive win when it succumbed to last-placed Cerberus at the Navy base.
The Redlegs lost by 29 points, having trailed by the same margin at half time.
Nick Williamson and Lochlan Simpson (three goals) were the stars for the home side.
In Division One, Dingley stuck with reigning premier St Paul’s East Bentleigh for three quarters at Souter Oval, only to be blown away in the final term.
The gallant Dingoes were just eight points in arrears at the last change, but the Bulldogs used the advantage of a stiff breeze to kick 7.3 to Dingley’s 1.1 in the decider.
Prolific ball-winner Tony Lavars (two goals) was largely responsible for the Dingoes’ strong showing, while big men Andrew Frost and Rohan Watson were more than useful.
Bulldog spearhead Travis Ridgway continued his stellar season with an eight-goal haul.
Springvale Districts had little joy in its trip to East Brighton, fading badly in last quarter to lose by 38 points.
The Demons were within seven points at three-quarter time, but they conceded eight goals against the breeze in the decider.
Star midfielder/forward Gavin Vassallo (two) was the visitors’ best again, while Mark Charles (three), David Ford and John McMurray were serviceable throughout the afternoon.
In Division Two, Lyndale was unable to recapture its drought-breaking form, posting just three majors for the match on its way to a 38-point loss to Oakleigh District.
Jesse Conroy, Jake Haley and Darin Williams were the Pumas’ best.