There was a lot of relief for Old Paradians coach Ben Turner as his side finally got on the board in Northern Football League division 2.
It has been a tough start to life in division 2 for the Raiders who have been on the end of some big losses.
But on Saturday, they gave themselves a chance against Panton Hill and were in the mix heading into the final quarter.
The first goal of the final quarter gave the Raiders a sniff and they were able to do enough to come away with an 8.9 (59)-7.10 (52) win.
Turner said there were a range of emotions after finally getting across the line.
“Relief is the first emotion that comes to mind,” he said. “It’s been a challenging start to the season.
“Looking at the fixture we knew it would be a challenging fixture coming up a division.
“To the boys’ credit they have stuck at it.
“We’d had our moments and patches in games without being able to finish it off before this.”
Turner said the message to the group at three quarter time was that they were in a position to win the game.
He said they knew it was there for the taking.
“It was only eight points and the way it felt like, we were close enough and in scoring range,” he said.
“Only one other game we’d been in at three quarter time.
“We kicked a goal in the first 30 seconds of the quarter and brought it to two points. We got the next two goals and got out by 10 points.
“The belief started to grow from there.”
Lachie Kerr, Joshua Lamers and Jack Woodfall all kicked two goals each for the Raiders.
Marcus Nolan, Kyle O’Sullivan and Darcy Vallance were named their best.
Turner said it was always going to be a challenge in division 2 finding out where they fit in the higher division.
“It’s an interesting challenge,” he said. “Panton Hill at Panton Hill is never an easy task.
“We were able to put ourselves in a position to be able to challenge and finish it off.
“I think getting the first win is sometimes the hardest one.
“We’re not taking anything for granted next week.”
Turner said belief was one thing they would take out of the game that their best was enough to challenge the best sides.
He said they would keep to chip away for the rest of the season.
In other matches, Thomastown was also on the winners list, beating Watsonia, 16.15 (111)-12.4 (76).
James Lucente kicked six goals for the Bears.
Whittlesea lost in the top of the table clash to Diamond Creek, 9.14 (68)-5.7 (37).
