The Coburg Lions has had their first win of the season against Essendon in the Strathmore Bank community cup.
The Lions ran away with the game after scores were level at three quarter time, kicking 8 goals in the final term to win by 31 points.
Coburg, wearing pink for Breast cancer awareness were led by their senior names, McEvoy (four goals) Johns (8 clearances), Featherstone (3 goals), Lehman (5 spoils) and Hunt (27 disposals) all having a heavy influence on the game.
It was Coburg who would start the better of the two sides moving the ball well out of the stoppage and going inside fifty multiple times, to convert early.
Luke Ryan and Nathan Blair lead the defensive effort ensuring only one goal was conceded, giving the home side a 10 point lead at quarter time.
It took an early miracle goal from Daniel Coghlan to break the Coburg defence early into the second, this seemed to spark the Dons who ran home another two in quick succession giving them a 7 point lead.
Daniel Younan laid a crunching tackle to earn himself a holding the ball decision which he converted, drawing scores level half way through the term.
The Coburg side started to wrestle back momentum however lacked composure going forward, allowing the Dons to take a two goal lead.
Josh Cauchi kicked his second and third for the day, as Lech Featherstone joined him, slotting diligently from beyond the arc, 3 quick Lions goals seeing them regain the lead by 6 at the half.
Essendon scored one back early however some good ball movement across the park via Hunt, Johns and Linton allowed Pete McEvoy to kick his second of the day.
The game became an arm wrestle after the early goals, both sides going forward, neither able to convert. Essendon would be the first to break the shackles goaling from a ruck infringement free kick.
After some fighting three quarter time words from Head coach Peter German the Lions were out to make a statement early in the final term.
Younan and McEvoy goaled of the back of some midfield grunt work giving the lions the lead 5 minutes into the last.
Posar, Blair and Ryan continued the effort across half back keeping the ball locked into the Lions attacking half. The increase in pressure allowing Posar to convert a marvellous dribbling goal.
The game became a shootout with both sides going goal for goal mid way through the final term, Coburg were the first to break the pattern, kicking two straight, and going up by 12 with 20 minutes played.
Debutant and 23rd man Michael Ercolano kicked his first senior goal to extend the buffer to 18 points.
The Lions put the result beyond doubt late, running out eventual 31 point winners.
Coburg Lions 16.7 103 Essendon 11.6 72
Both our Senior and Development sides take on the Northern Blues next Sunday (22nd May) at Preston City Oval.
Best: L. Hunt, R. Lehmann, L. Ryan, L. Featherstone, J. Cauchi, P. McEvoy
Goals: P. McEvoy 4, L. Featherstone 3, J. Cauchi 3, D. Younan 2, K. Posar, M. Ercolano, M. Merlo, D. Hill
