Boomers hold off Panthers in a thriller

Despite two goal-less quarters, the Eaton Boomers were able to defend a nine-point three-quarter time lead to beat Carey Park by a point at Glen Huon Reserve on Sunday.

Panthers vice-captain Jordan Yarran booted the only goal of a tense last term, but the Panthers wasted a number of opportunities late in the game, with the Boomers grabbing their third win of the season 8.9 (57) to 7.14 (56).

A strong wind was blowing to the north end of the oval and after winning the toss, Boomers stand-in skipper Mitchell Kings gave his side first use.

But the home side squandered their chance to stamp their authority on the game.

Carey Park were keen to show the Boomers how it was done with the breeze, kicking three unanswered goals in the second term as the Panthers’ midfield of Jake Thurston, Tim Yarran and Jordan Yarran began to control the game, while they got plenty of speed from their defenders in Fabian Hart and Greg Humphries.

The Panthers’ 18-point half-time lead could have been greater if not for the efforts of Boomers ruckman Brendan Page, who dropped back to help his defence on a number of occasions.

Momentum once again swung the Boomers’ way at the start of the third quarter, as they kicked four unanswered goals through Josh Branchi, Matt Scott (three goals) and Connor Gadecki.

Graham Jetta and Kelvin Lawrence were dominant in the midfield for the Boomers, winning a number of clearances and giving the Panthers’ defence plenty of work to do, as they sent the ball inside their forward 50 fast and frequently.

But the Panthers were not about to go away and they managed a couple of goals against the breeze thanks to excellent individual efforts by Jarrod and Herman Humphries.

This set up a frantic last quarter, which was marred with missed opportunities from both sides.

When Jordan Yarran booted the first goal of the term, it looked as if Carey Park had all the momentum.

But the Boomers held firm in defence and denied the Panthers a third victory from four games.

It was not all good news for the Boomers though, with Brandon Jetta playing no part in the game after quarter time due to an ankle injury.

Scoreboard

Eaton Boomers 2.3 2.3 8.7 8.9 (57) def Carey Park 1.3 4.9 6.10 7.14 (56)

GOALS:

Eaton Boomers - M. Scott 3, C. Gadecki, J. Branchi, A. Jetta, B. Jetta, B. Page. Carey Park - J. Humphries 2, J. Mulholland, R. Wilkey, T. Chalwell, J. Yarran, H. Humphries.

BEST:

Eaton Boomers - G. Jetta, K. Lawrence, B. Page, M. Thompson, M. Scott, J. Gale. Carey Park - G. Humphries, F. Hart, T. Yarran, J. Yarran, S. Read, H. Humphries.