Craigieburn’s unbeaten run in the Essendon District Football League division 1 season came to a shuddering end at the hands of Essendon Doutta Stars on Saturday.
As in the first match between the two earlier in the season, the Stars flew out of the blocks and led by 39 points at the main break.
And, also like last time, the Eagles came out fast in the third quarter and cut the margin with the first three goals of the quarter.
But from there the game took a different direction to the early-season clash and the Stars kicked on to win 21.13 (139) – 11.5 (71).
The Eagles’ loss was compounded by a series of injuries which left them short on the bench. Among those was star forward Jason Cloke, who was injured in the fourth quarter after kicking only one goal.
Ruckman Jeremy Page was best for the Eagles, while Cameron Cloke kicked four.
The Stars are now just two points behind the Eagles on the ladder.
Tullamarine is third after victory against Taylors Lakes, 14.10 (94) – 10.9 (69).
Bouncing back after a disappointing performance against the Eagles, the Demons started slowly and trailed by 13 at quarter-time.
They turned that around to lead by a goal at half-time.
Both sides struggled for goals in the third term, the Demons grabbing the only two, before Tulla kicked five to four in the final quarter.
Westmeadows kept the pressure on the top four with victory over bottom-of-the-ladder Glenroy. After trailing by 21 at quarter-time, the Tigers won 15.13 (103) – 8.9 (57).
In premier division, Greenvale defeated West Coburg 14.14 (98) – 10.9 (69), Addam Maric kicking three in a best-on-ground performance.
In division 2, Roxburgh Park and Jacana had important big wins against Burnside Heights and Keilor Park respectively.
The Magpies’ 138-point win and the Jaguars’ 111-point success are vital in the race to the finals, with all teams from second to fifth on the same points.
