Northern Football League

Eltham have pulled away from the drop zone with a handy 100 point win over a depleted Thomastown outfit at Main Street in Round 9 of the 2009 NFL Division 1 season. The win gives Eltham a confidence boost before their big game next week, whereas the Bears look as if opening their account will be their main agenda in 2009.

The Bears started promisingly with Mark Schwabl getting the Bears first major within the opening stages. David Folino and Mark Jerram got goals in quick succession with Vince Capeci adding another soon later, but Eltham's Paul Currie got a couple of goals throughout the quarter to restrict the Bears lead to only 14 points, despite the Bears kicking with a strong breeze.

Eltham coach, Craig Hayes, was pleased with the side's first quarter labeling their two goals as good as four. He also ensured his side wasn't complacent, knowing they still had a job to be done.

His side dominated proceedings in the second stanza with the on-ball brigade, led by Gavan Connelly winning most of the footy, and Chris Varsamakis controlling the half back line. Currie added another two to his tally throughout the quarter, helping his side open up a 28 point lead at the long break.

The Panthers came out to play in the third term, with Connelly and Currie getting two quick openers. This started off an amazing nine goal quarter, with Capeci keeping some respectability in the Bears' scoreline with three majors throughout the term.

Thomastown coach, Dean Sinclair, urged his side to show some fight in the last quarter, asking his troops to work hard and not just roll over and die.

Unfortunately for the Bears, the final quarter saw no comeback with Eltham scoring seven unanswered majors, including two each from Ryan Hocking and Jackson Weatherald to ensure they would record their second win for the season.

Final scores Thomastown 9.10 (64) to Eltham 25.14 (164).

Currie had a day out with six goals and wingman Tom Rogers had his best game to date for the season. Capeci scored four majors for the Bears, with hard midfielder Pece Micevski putting in a gallant effort for Thomastown.

In Round 10, Eltham have a massive game against Heidelberg, with Thomastown heading over to Greensborough.