Glenn Manton continued his strong season for Taylors Lakes on Saturday as the Lions stormed to another victory. 81279_26 Picture: DAMIAN VISENTINI
By LIAM TWOMEY
A BLISTERING final quarter from Taylors Lakes has rocketed the Lions to yet another win in the Essendon District Football League as the club’s stunning turnaround in form continues.
With a finals spot on the line against the Northern Saints on Saturday, the Lions had their backs to the wall deep into the match after trailing by 18 points going into the final break.
However, a remarkable last quarter saw Taylors Lakes kick six unanswered goals to storm to a 15-point win and add further weight behind their push towards a premiership.
Earlier in the day both sides had enjoyed time in front throughout the contest but the Saints were unable to build a big enough lead to keep their opponents at bay.
Nathan Taylor proved to be a thorn in the Saints’ side that would not go away, kicking three goals in a best-on-ground performance.
He was joined on the multiple goal scorers list by Michael Di Pietro and Jackson Wright who kicked three and two goals respectively in the 12.7 (79) to 8.6 (64) win.
The weekend’s result sees the Lions take a secure hold over third spot on the EDFL ladder after moving one game ahead of the fourth placed Glenroy.
With five rounds left in the season they also sit six points behind second placed West Coburg and competition frontrunners Airport West.
With the weakest percentage of anyone in the top four (160.93) the Lions must keep winning to guarantee themselves a spot in finals later this year.
As of this week the EDFL is set to move into its three-tier competition with Taylors Lakes forming part of the new Division One with Airport West, West Coburg, Glenroy, Tullamarine, Westmeadows, Hadfield and Northern Saints.
Saturday marked the final games in Division One for Hillside, East Keilor, Roxburgh Park, Keilor Park, Jacana and Moonee Valley who will now call Division Two home.
Hillside ensured its last match in Division One would be one to remember after smashing Keilor Park by 66 points.
The win was set up with a blistering first quarter, which saw the Sharks kick eight goals.
Despite a Keilor Park fight back, the margin continued to increase throughout the afternoon with Hillside eventually prevailing 19.9 (123) to 8.9 (57).
David Crook was among the best for Hillside, kicking three goals, as was Josh Nesbitt for Keilor Park who also finished with three majors.
In other results, East Keilor fell 32 points short against Airport West.
