By KATIE LAMBESKI
EASTERN Devils dealt the St Albans Spurs a reality check on Saturday night at Kings Park Reserve, upsetting the VWFL reigning champions with a superb 8.12 (60) to 4.7 (31) win.
In the Premier Division game, Eastern Devils got the jump on a slow-starting St Albans outfit, creating opportunities going forward and breaking away to a 19-point lead at quarter time.
More was needed for the Spurs to work themselves back into the game, and they began to turn that around in the second quarter.
After levelling the scoreboard with a three goal to zero quarter, the Spurs started to claw back through the big forward targets Moana Hope and Amy Catterall while looking for better use of the ball, more run and numbers at the contest.
The low-scoring encounter continued with the game in the balance in the second half. Neither side was able to take the crucial advantage in what quickly turned into a fiery ‘premiership quarter’.
The Devils had the advantage of the wind forcing the Spurs to work hard to run the ball.
At three quarter-time, Eastern Devils led 4.11 (35) to 4.5 (29) and continue to grow that lead with a four goal last quarter to record the upset win.
Beating the Spurs all over the ground and working the ball into the 50 metre arc when not having the majority of the play gave them a famous win over a disappointing Spurs unit who didn’t show their full potential.
The Devils’ second side also prevailed in the Reserves Division clash against the Spurs earlier in the evening, with a big win 6.13 (49) to 3.1 (19).
In an even opening, the Spurs kicked the only goal of the first quarter as the Devils registered 0.7. Eastern Devils straightened up after the break to kick two goals to nothing.
The visitors were first to the ball and willing to contest, spread and create chances at goal.
St Albans were the opposite when in possession, and it proved costly.
The Spurs never looked able to work their way back into the contest in the second half, although they showed glimpses of defensive pressure, it didn’t stick as the Devils took what was an unassailable 29-point lead to the final break.
