Brunswick NOBSPC returned to the winners’ list in style on Saturday against Ivanhoe. Playing on a small away ground once again it was a case of third time lucky as we adjusted our mode of attack to suit the dimensions and reaped the rewards.

The game started as an absolute shoot-out. By the 5-minute mark it was 3-goals apiece as the ball pinged from end-to-end. It ended up as a 11-goal term with the Hoes narrowly in front but it was noticeable that our goals came from more systematic ball movement than the opposition.

We stepped that ball movement up a gear in the second quarter, slamming on the first 6 goals with some irresistible football. Sparked by Gerrard Bence – who made a welcome return to form – we kicked goals at will, highlighted by long bombs from Tim Weaver and Dom Sullivan, with one out of the centre.

The Hoes were not done with and kicked 3 of the next 4 goals, before pinch-hitting forward Dean Beaumont calmly slotted our eighth for the term after a big pack mark to give us a healthy 27-point lead at the main break.

After that frenetic first half an ugly scrap in the third quarter ensued, with the Hoes dominating play to the scoring end as the wind picked up. Luckily they could only find the target twice from 11 shots so we still had our noses in front going into the last quarter.

We got the all important first goal of the final term to extend our lead but the home team hit back with 2 in a hurry. We were then made to earn the win, with both teams fighting the game right out to the end.

In a real team effort, it was some old stagers who stood tall on the day, especially Chris Ford, who topped off a great forward display with a goal from the boundary to seal the win, Chris Horsley, Adam Oakley and Lachlan Ezard. Recruits Geremie Ganino and Tom Campbell (4 goals on debut) were also prominent.

It was also wonderful to see the debut of our third Brunswick Juniors graduate in James Lockwood Spence, joining Dom Sullivan and Daniel Mott. A goal with his first kick was an added bonus for James.

All in all, it was a great to see the team get some well-earned reward for effort. Next is a huge game against Ormond at home. See you at Gillon this Saturday!