By Callum ’articles’ Ludwig
The Falcons took on the Tigers as Lilydale hosted Mitcham in round 12.
The U19.5s kick-started the day in search of their third straight win and managed to secure the four premiership points despite a last-quarter comeback from Mitcham, to win 13.6, 84 to 11.6, 72.
With a focus from the entire Lilydale contingent on goalkicking this week, the U19.5s can be pleased with their accuracy in front of goal which helped ensure the win over an accurate Mitcham side, who came back from 19 points down at three-quarter time to hit the front in the final term, only for a spirited Lilydale side to launch a fightback of their own.
The straight-shooting goalkickers on the day for Lilydale were led by key forwards Lachlan Baxter and the 19.5-come-39.5-year-old Sean Calcaterra who each snagged three, Ashton Dobbin and skipper Mitchell Gym Rat Van de Maat (who uncharacteristically betrayed his temple on Saturday evening) each with two and sole contributions from Bailey Bounces Bateman, Fletcher March (no Double Cobra celebration for a snap from the boundary?) and the little fella with ice in his veins, Ryan Ninja Haley who kicked the sealer.
Baxter also now sits second in the division’s leading goalkickers with 25 for the season, despite a questionable Instagram story on Thursday night with the missus while training was on.
Dobbin, Austin Jalapenos White, Zac Chicken Schnitty Carolan, Calcaterra, Gym Rat and Bateman were the Dales’ best.
The U19.5s remain fifth on the ladder but now hold a one-win advantage over challengers Croydon in the race for a finals’ spot.
The Reserves had a tough afternoon, taking on Mitcham’s undefeated side and going down 2.3, 15 to 19.7, 121.
In what was always going to be a difficult task, Lilydale did well to contest the ball hard and make their skilled opposition work for their chances.
Harry TikToks Mitchell wasn’t going to walk away without at least a goal following some brilliant selfless efforts from Ryan R-Mac Macfarlane and he was joined by Matthew Dip Di Pietrantonio as Lilydale’s goalkickers on the day.
Alex Carrigan was Lilydale’s best afield, followed by Will ‘Fishy’ Pleming, Luke Phillips, Jack ‘Weasel’ Leithhead, Johnny De Vincentis and Jaymin ‘Bull’ Townsley.
The twos sit in ninth on the ladder.
Despite a last-quarter goal marking the start of Isaac Biasuzzo’s Bazinga nickname, it was Mitcham who came away with a close win last time out in the Seniors, who aimed to make amends at The Nest.
Unfortunately, a disappointing third-quarter performance set Mitcham up for a convincing win in the end, running out 46-point victors, 8.13, 61 to 15.17, 107 after a tight first half.
Lilydale’s best players were populated with some familiar names by now featuring the brigade of Ryan Dobby McNay, Jayden Jib Depace, Mitchell DeFra’ De Franceschi, Macauley Bags Beckwith, Douglas Dove Wootton and head of one of Jake Snake Clements who recently salvaged himself from a crime against humanity by going back for a full buzz cut, even coming from the perspective of Top Deck.
Bags was a livewire as he tried to inspire the Dales with a bag of three goals and an immeasurable number of points, joined by Jordan Jaws Jaworski who grabbed two and single goals from Beau Beauner Michener, Rowan Crackers Tucker and Matthew Sweet Chilli Phillips.
The Seniors are ninth among a few sides also on 16 points for the season.
An always-fiery clash with local rivals Mooroolbark away from home awaits the Falcons in Round 13.
