Northern Football League

Another upset was caused on Friday night when Epping defeated third-placed favourites, Fitzroy Stars 2. After a competitive first term, Epping ran away with the game in the second quarter. And despite regrouping in the third term, the Stars were unable to make up the difference on the scoreboard and went down by five goals.

Epping wasted no time getting their name on the scoreboard, securing the first goal within minutes of the game commencing. The opposition retaliated with a goal of their own and set the scene for a competitive match. Epping did well to intercept a number of passes and were strong defensively in Fitzroy Stars' goal circle. Epping's defenders played closely to the opposition's shooters and secured a number of valuable intercepts. The Stars kept the opposition to five goals and ended the first term with a two goal lead.

Within seconds of play, Epping made a shocking mis-throw into the open court. This didn't appear to rattle the side, who went on to score the first three goals of the term. They took control of the match and had much more ball time than in the previous quarter. Fitzroy Stars lost momentum and were in no way reminiscent of the team from the first quarter. They were bombarded by a strong Epping defence who made a number of intercepts and kept the ball out of their goal circle. Epping got away from Fitzroy Stars in the second term, scoring a massive 13 goals to their two. This gave them a nine goal advantage at half time.

It was not a glamorous opening in the third term. Epping made a mis-throw out of court and a Fitzroy Stars' player passed directly into the opposition's hands, all within minutes of play. But, Fitzroy Stars scored the opening two goals of the term and appeared to have regrouped after their disastrous second term. Their shooters moved well in the goals and communicated well with each other. Fitzroy Stars' defence also did their bit, securing rebounds in Epping's goals and making it difficult for the shooters to move into position. Epping scored as the whistle was blown, giving them a two goal total for the term. Despite outscoring them with six goals, the Stars still trailed Epping by five.

Fitzroy Stars were going to have to put in an impressive performance in the final term to make up the five goal deficit. This looked like a possibility when their shooter scored a very decisive first goal. But, Epping hit back with a goal of their own and began making stronger, controlled passes. Fitzroy Stars' defenders continued to perform well, keeping Epping's shooters under control by making a number of intercepts and securing rebounds. Valuable intercepts were made by both sides in all areas of the court, which made for a fast-paced and exciting quarter. Fitzroy Stars failed to meet the quota, with both teams scoring seven goals in the fourth quarter.

The final score was Epping (27) to Fitzroy Stars 2 (22).

Next week, Epping is scheduled to play Hurstbridge, and Fitzroy Stars 2 will take on Mernda B.