By Jonty Ralphsmith
Cranbourne has suffered a percentage-diminishing 16.12 108 to 8.6 54 defeat to Dingley in Division 1 of the Southern Football Netball League.
The Eagles’ hot start was overshadowed by a disappointing fadeout, with a seven-goal-to-three last quarter potentially detrimental in the grander scheme with Cranbourne’s percentage likely to be a factor in the top-five race.
The class of Dingley forward trio Caleb Lewis, Lochie Benton and Trent Dennis-Lane shone through as the match wore on, all able to kick critical goals to open up a buffer on Cranbourne.
VFL-listed Lewis was the spearhead with six, while Benton kicked three and was also dynamic in the middle, while former AFL man Dennis-Lane kicked two and was a player the defence needed to be aware of.
Up the other end, Paul Delaroche backed up his strong performance earlier in the season against Dingley with four goals on Saturday at a soggy Souter Oval.
The Dingoes kicked away early in the second quarter, and despite an Aaron Moran response, the hosts were able to capitalise on their ascendancy.
Midfielder Tyler Finn and defender Glenn Osborne also played well for Cranbourne, which next week face Mordialloc, a game they’ll look to win and close the 10 per cent separating themselves and East Brighton.
