Leongatha defence stands up to Bairnsdale challenge

HOME side Bairnsdale threatened through almost the entire last quarter to punish Leongatha for its day of inaccuracy but the Parrots’ backmen held off the threatened charge.

That combined with three Leongatha goals for the term set up a 17-point Leongatha win.

Cade Maskell’s ability to sweep the Parrots out of defence saw him named the winner’s best, Tim Sauvarin another crucial cog in the Leongatha defence and excelling in the final stanza pressure.

Aaron Heppell was right behind Maskell on the best players list, the only Parrot to kick multiple goals, finishing with a couple.

The second of those was the first major of the final term, the ball appearing to be headed straight for a goal post before taking a bounce St Kilda supporters could only dream of, and sparking Leongatha celebrations.

Luke Bowman was another catching the eye with his ball-winning ability and effective use of the Sherrin.

Bairnsdale’s Cooper Harvey competed hard around the ground, being his side’s best, while his teammate Brayden McCarrey booted three majors.

They included his mark and accurate set shot to cap off an excellent passage of passes in the final stanza.

While that had the hosts just five points behind at the six-minute mark, it proved to be the final major the Parrots conceded.

A Justin Pellicano mark and goal enabled Leongatha to lead by more than a straight kick entering time on and a classy major on the run from skipper Tom Marriott 24 minutes in, after an accurate Sam Forrester pass, sealed the deal.

Leongatha led by just five points at the last change despite having scored 17 times to Bairnsdale’s seven.

While the Parrots did enough to claim the four points, they’ll need a more polished showing when third-placed Moe visits, the Lions entering the contest in Leongatha with confidence after thumping Maffra by 99 points.