A LATE goal from Sam Clifton handed Lake Wendouree a six-point victory over Melton at MacPherson Park on Saturday, minutes after the home side hit the front for the first time that day.
It was fitting in itself that Clifton, who would finish the match with six goals, kicked the winning goal as he, along with an inspirational performance from captain Ben Taylor, was the clear difference between the sides.
The Lakers burst out of the blocks strongly, kicking five of the first six goals, three of which came from Clifton.
The Bloods in the first term struggled to quell the midfield of Lake Wendouree, with Taylor and Brent Olszewski delivering plenty of ball into the forward line, resulting in nine scoring shots in the opening term to Melton’s four.
It gave the Lakers a 20-point lead at quarter-time.
Melton came out with full intention of taking advantage of the scoring end in the second term, and it showed as they kicked the first three goals, courtesy of Andrew Heyde, David Clarke and Darren Haby.
The Bloods looked fiercer at the contest and the Melton midfielders began to get their hands on the football.
It took a captain’s goal from Ben Taylor to steady the ship for the Lakers against the breeze, and this was followed by goals to Nick Aringo and Sam Clifton.
The Lakers managed to take a 21-point lead into half-time.
A rejuvenated Melton came out in the second half desperate to stamp their authority on the contest, and it showed again as they pieced together a seven-goal third quarter, with Jamie Kitchen, Dillon Sharp and Aiden Butler making valuable contributions to the side’s resurgence.
Tim Malone continued to repel many of the Bloods’ attacks, but the home side continued to grow in stature and confidence as it whittled down the Lake Wendouree lead to just four points at the final change.
The last term was a titanic struggle, with Melton managing to hit the lead midway through the term as Jamie Kitchen converted his third major.
The last half of the quarter was played out mainly in the Lakers’ half, but they couldn’t translate it to the scoreboard.
It took a courageous effort from Ben Hayes on the wing to put the ball deep into the forward line, where Sam Clifton was able to mark and kick truly, handing the Lakers a memorable win.
Melton coach Bob Heaney said his major concern was his side’s decision-making.
“That and discipline were probably the two areas; our workrate was good, but we were let down in those areas.
”We go into the break having won one game and lost three and two of those games we’ve been in front and lost, so realistically we could be three and two.”
Ballarat Courier
