For the second time this season, Brunswick comfortably accounted for arch-rivals Therry Penola to keep themselves in the finals race but missed the opportunity to record a big percentage-booster by conceding the last four goals of the game at J.P. Fawkner Reserve on Saturday.

On a sunny winter’s day, the NOBs began kicking with the breeze and it wasn’t long before the familiar figure of Oscar Watt bobbed up with the opening goal, soon followed by another to Daniel Mott that was all too easy. Therry got themselves on the board after five minutes, before Rowan Hogenbirk slammed one through on the run from 40, then late on Mitch Hicks and Hogenbirk slotted set shots to make it five for the first term, which was about par for the conditions.

The second quarter was largely forgettable. Early on Therry kicked their second for the day courtesy of a 50-metre penalty and struggled thereafter, while Brunswick were lacklustre themselves apart from Paul Scamporlino snapping truly (at the third time of asking), followed up by a nicely taken set shot. Of most note was gun defender Marcus Foti rolling his ankle on taking a fine mark, which may see him miss several weeks.

Thankfully, the game showed some signs of life in the third term, as the NOBs’ game clicked into gear and they took proper advantage of the breeze, starting with a second major to Hicks, followed by a running goal to Andre Jaycock from 45, then the play-of-the-day as Hogenbirk and Watt combined to give Hicks his third. Soon after, Scamporlino kicked his third from a clever handball close to goal, then Jaycock was the recipient of a “Joe the Goose” for his second. To round out the quarter, a brace to Watt took his personal tally to three to make it an 80-point margin at the final change.

Staring down the barrel of a complete annihilation, Therry belatedly took the game on in the last quarter as Brunswick’s minds turned to their ball in a few hours’ time. Scamporlino provided the only highlights for Brunswick with his fourth and fifth goals, while Therry helped themselves to four unanswered majors to drag the final margin to a more respectable 56 points. Unfortunately, the NOBs’ victory was further soured by a report to key forward Hicks in the dying minutes.

Captain Ben Wilson dominated in the midfield from start to finish, while Hogenbirk also had a day out. Jaycock played his best game for several weeks, while Scamporlino continued his good recent form. Whitlam Bishop was very good in defence, as was Foti until his ankle injury. Hicks was a good target in attack but may miss a few weeks due to his late indiscretion, while Watt was again lively and took his season-tally to 30.

This Saturday, the NOBs (5-5 and sixth on the ladder) travel to Scammell Reserve to face Oakleigh (6-4 and fifth) in what is an old fashioned “eight-point” game. It is sure to be ripper.