MAGPIES SWOOP BRAYBROOK IN FINAL QUARTER BLITZ

By NICK BOYLAN

It may only be Round 3, but Braybrook and Laverton played out an encounter that shapes as a match-of-the-year contender.

Braybrook came out hard, with no sluggish signs after ANZAC Day apparent. Paul Cutajar-Milosev was unstoppable early on, slotting three first-quarter goals and leading the Braybrook attack. Laverton had their chances, however their inaccuracy in front of goal proved to be telling throughout the game.

Laverton played more direct in the second quarter, with Zak Stephenson driving through the corridor to set up two quick goals for Richard Mulroy. The Magpies inaccuracy up forward however continued, stopping further inroads into Braybrook’s lead.

Nick Gregson’s marking was immense at both ends, helping ensure Braybrook had a 9-point lead at the main break.

Braybrook threatened to blow the game open, as Nathan Calleja’s influence in the middle grew. Cutajar-Milosev kicked another two goals, and it seemed that Laverton were looking at a heavy defeat, down by five goals at three-quarter time.

In the last quarter, Laverton were full of run against a Braybrook side that had lost Mark Tasiyan and Manuel Reardon. The Magpies continued to take the game on and score, leading to a Jordan Cullen contested mark and goal to give Laverton a four-point lead, with a mere 30 seconds remaining. Braybrook had one last chance to win after the siren, however Ricky Howell couldn’t convert from distance, securing a famous 4-point win for Laverton.

Elsewhere, Glen Orden remain winless as North Sunshine proved too strong, with Cleavyn Cowl helping the Roadrunners get a 29-point win.

In Point Cook, the Sharks bounced back from last week’s loss to Wyndham Suns, holding off Tarneit to secure an 18-point victory.

Finally, in Wyndham, the Suns were impressive, with a 55-point win over Sunshine Heights, with strong play from Mason Taylor and five goals from Hayden Iannacone the standouts.

Sunshine Heights will be looking to regroup next week when they take on Point Cook Centrals, while the Wyndham Suns aim to continue their unbeaten start against North Sunshine.

Braybrook will look to bounce back when they head to Tarneit, while Laverton will look to continue their momentum as they take on Glen Orden.

Picture: Declan Birkett