Football: Boomers’ slick win a major statement

The Eaton Boomers moved to outright top spot on the ladder after a convincing 66-point victory over Carey Park at Kelly Park on Sunday.

Both teams were unbeaten going into the contest, but the Boomers were too tall and too fast for their hosts in the 19.11 (125) to 8.11 (59) triumph.

Jacob Ferrier was the focal point up forward for Eaton, booting seven goals.

Midfielders Kieran Butcher, Gino Catalano and Michael Battaglia shone for the visitors in the physical and sometimes spiteful contest.

The Boomers took control with a five-goal-to-one first term to lead by 28 points at quarter time.

They extended their advantage at every change on their way to the impressive triumph.

One battle the Panthers did win was against Eaton forward Leigh Kelly, who was held goalless by Damien Stevens.

The performance was a far cry from Kelly‘s last outing, when he booted 11 majors against Donnybrook.

But the Boomers uncovered several other avenues to goal with Ferrier stepping up, Karl Collard booting four and Jace Cormack three.

Eaton set the tone for the afternoon in the first quarter.

Cody Garlett started on the ball and did some good things for the home team but the Boomers dominated to hold a handy advantage at the first change.

Jace Cormack was clever at ground level for the Boomers while Ferrier was a strong target, with both booting two majors.

Carey Park lifted in the second term and started to win the clearances but struggled in key positions with Eaton’s height advantage telling.

The duel between Eaton’s William Barnes and Carey Park full forward Matthew Martin was interesting with the honours split at half-time.

Martin had two goals but did not kick another for the game and even spent time in the midfield during the final term.

After Carey Park had pegged the lead back, consecutive goals to Rohan Lilly ensured Eaton stayed in control at the long break.

There was more pain for the home team in the second half as Eaton piled on 10 goals to blow the margin out.

Several spot fires broke out, proving there was plenty of feeling in the contest.

Brendon Carlson, Calum Leslie and Mark Bevis all worked hard for the Panthers.

Scoreboard

Eaton Boomers 5.4 9.4 14.10 19.11 125 def Carey Park 1.2 4.5 5.9 8.11 59

Goals:

EATON BOOMERS – J. Ferrier 7, K. Collard 4, Jace Cormack 3, R. Lilly 2, J. Branchi, M. Buchanan, K. Butcher.

CAREY PARK – M. Bevis, M. Martin, Cody Garlett, L. Stewart, B. Lawler, A. Hill.

Best:

EATON BOOMERS – G. Catalano, J. Ferrier, K. Butcher, M. Battaglia, Jace Cormack, K. Collard.

CAREY PARK – C. Leslie, D. Stevens, J. Sebire, M. Bevis, B. Carlson, L. Johns-Ancell.