Panthers secure crucial win against plucky Cougars

By Josh Ward.

Chirnside Park have boosted their top two aspirations in Division Four with a 22-point triumph over Kilsyth at Pinks Reserve.

The Panthers took control of the contest from the outset, eventually recording an 8.16 (64) to 6.6 (42) victory over the Cougars.

Justin Ficorilli’s men now look set to finish with the double chance, with Bulleen Templestowe having the bye this weekend and the Panthers facing second-last Forest Hill at home.

For Kilsyth, while they’re mathematically still a chance of playing finals, they must defeat minor premiers Warrandyte next weekend and hope Fairpark slip up against Doncaster.

Trent Castledine starred in the key victory for the Panthers, providing a presence across the half forward line and often setting up dangerous opportunities in attack.

Chaz Clavant was also exceptional again in midfield alongside Samuel Cannon who helped repel most Kilsyth attacks on the day.

For the Cougars, Jackson Weatherald was everywhere all day, with his experience and footy iq on display for all.

Bailey Rae and Liam Walter were also exceptional in midfield and defence respectively while Liam Chapman and Max Le Fevre combined for all six Kilsyth majors.

Kilsyth’s defence was immediately put under the pump by Chirnside. Despite having all the territory early in the contest, the Panthers only managed one goal from four scoring shots through the mercurial forward Josh Swift.

Le Fevre then responded for Kilsyth before Swift did exactly the same for Chirnside as they looked to press home their advantage.

They once again failed to capitalise, as did Kilsyth as well, with two behinds to each side seeing the margin be nine points in favour of Chirnside at the first break.

Kilsyth started to get a little ascendancy early in the second term, kicking the first goal of the term through Le Fevre.

As they did in the opening term though, Chirnside responded, this time with back to back goals through Lachlan Hoye and Riley Bickford to now hold a 16-point buffer midway through the term.

Damian Murray and his side were able to get a little bit of run on the Panthers, but they too missed opportunities to end the term, kicking three behinds to one to still trail by 14 points at the main break.

Immediately after half time the Panthers started like a house on fire, kicking the opening two goals inside the first five minutes of the term to dash out to a game-high 27 point lead.

The Cougars once again responded, kicking the next two goals through Chapman and Le Fevre to give them a pulse heading into time on of the penultimate term.

Chirnside then started to press hard and push Kilsyth into their shell, kicking one goal and four behinds to end a lengthy third term.

Holding a four-goal advantage at the final break, Chirnside looked to immediately put the cue in the rack for the Cougars.

But the gutsy Cougars continued to fight hard, kicking the opening goal of the term as they endeavoured to take the game on unlike the opening three terms.

As Chirnside started missing golden opportunities it kept the door slightly ajar for the Cougars, who kicked a goal nearing time on to make it a 15-point ball game.

Chirnside then slammed that door shut, kicking the sealer deep into time on to secure a vital four points and a seventh consecutive win over Kilsyth.