Tara Murray
Old Pardians didn’t take long to put in place the lessons they learned in their loss to Mernda in the Northern Football League division 3 competition.
After being found out for having a lack of composure against the Demons, the Raiders bounced back on Saturday against Heidelberg West.
The Raiders were able to keep Heidelberg West goalless in the first half and were able to build on that in the 14.11 (95)-3.7 (25) win.
Coach Ben Turner was pretty happy with the result in wet weather.
“The boys played some really good footy,” he said. “The conditions were pretty average with on and off rain.
“It got progressively worse the longer the game went on. The ground got a lot heavier and it got a bit sloppy.”
Turner said they were keen to put in a really good start at the opposition’s home ground.
He said Heidelberg West play some really good football at their ground.
“It was the start that we wanted,” he said. “We kept them goalless in the first half in those tough conditions.
“It gave us confidence in the back end of the game. We rebounded really well.”
Lachie Kerr kicked three goals for the Raiders, while Sam Gilmore, Mitchell Merkel and Lachlan Murdoch kicked two goals each.
Kyle O’Sullivan and Masaki Miki were named their best.
The win moves the Raiders back to the top of the ladder.
Just three games separates it and seventh.
Turner said the Mernda loss showed them that if they don’t play well, they will be beaten.
He said with it being such an even competition, you have to be on every week.
“When you play the top sides you want to play as well as you can,” he said.
“They bullied us around the footy and we lacked that composure. Good sides will hurt you.
“It’s an opportunity to learn a lot.”
The Raiders are on the road again this week, facing second placed Fitzroy Stars on the road.
Turner said it should be another big game.
Mernda’s time at the top didn’t last long with a loss to Epping on Saturday.
The Pingers won 14.9 (93)-7.6 (48).
Adrian Alfonsi and Sebastian Latina were named their best, while Jayden Bell and Nathan Baccega were named the Demons best.
Lalor suffered an 18.14 (122)-4.2 (26) loss to Kilmore.
In division 1, Bundoora lost to Greensborough, 6.9 (45)-4.5 (29).
Whittlesea and South Morang both had wins in division 2.
