By Lachlan Mitchell
Cranbourne was back in action in Southern Division One after a perfectly-timed break which saw the injury-depleted Eagles in recovery mode.
The Eagles welcomed back Mitchell White from Casey duties to take on Mordialloc at Livingston Reserve.
Steve O’Brien’s men were looking to bounce out of the blocks and did just that against the Bloodhounds.
A five goal opening term set the pulses racing for Eagles fans, as they swopped out to a 30-point quarter-time advantage.
The Eagles continued their dominance in the second term thanks to White and Tyson Barry. Cranbourne continued its dominance with a 43-point half time lead.
The Bloodhounds couldn’t follow the trail of the Eagles as they continued to stretch the margin out.
Mordialloc could only manage one goal in the third term through Ryan Santon.
A three-goal final term by the Eagles saw the margin finish at 88-points.
White made his short stay at the nest worthwhile with six goals of his own in the win.
Marc Holt kicked two goals in the victory which sees Cranbourne one game clear at the top of the ladder.
“It was a pleasing result; we had a few players comeback into the side which is always nice,” said Cranbourne coach O’Brien.
“We wanted to get a good-start and we did just that, and we were able to maintain the pressure all day.
“We won’t be seeing a lot of Mitch (White) this season as he is the captain of Casey.
“But just to have him back to train and play with us was exciting.
“Seeing him educate and helping the younger guys is great to see.
“He’s a quality player and he showed that on Saturday.
“Mitch has played AFL as well and it’s just the little things he can do mid-game…they can see what he does.“
O’Brien and his team are consistently looking to insure his team is ready and raring for the next week.
“There a few things we can work on and there are a number of things we have identified and can work on,” he said.
“Hopefully we can continue to play really strong footy.”
Springvale Districts had a strong win over East Malvern at home.
Ex-Richmond and Hawthorn forward Tyrone Vickery kicked six goals in his side’s 35-point win.
Cheltenham had a close encounter of the Colts kind, prevailing by 10-points.
Luke Garnaut kicked four goals for the Rosellas to secure the victory.
St. Paul’s showed its grit and determination in a 38-point win over St Kilda City.
Not even a five-goal haul from ex-Roo Aaron Edwards could help St Kilda City over the line.
St Paul’s Stephen Muller did his best work in front of goal with seven of the best.
Dingley took soul out of the Demons with an 85-point win.
Daniel Farmer finished with seven goals in his side’s fourth win of the year.
RESULTS – ROUND 7
Port Melbourne Colts 12.9 81 v Cheltenham 13.13 91, Cranbourne Eagles 19.10 124 v Mordialloc 5.6 36, St Kilda City 9.5 59 v St Paul’s McKinnon 14.13 97, Dingley 20.10 130 v Bentleigh 6.9 45, Springvale Districts 10.15 v East Malvern 6.4 40.
LADDER
Cranbourne Eagles 24, St Paul McKinnon 20, Cheltenham 20, St Kilda City 20, Dingley 16, Port Melbourne Colts 12, Springvale Districts 12, Mordialloc 12, Bentleigh 4, East Malvern 0.
FIXTURE – ROUND 8
St Paul’s McKinnon v Dingley, East Malvern v St Kilda City, Port Melbourne Colts v Cranbourne Eagles, Cheltenham v Springvale Districts, Bentleigh v Mordialloc.
