WHITTLESEA held off Watsonia in round four of the Northern Football League (NFL) on Saturday to register its third consecutive victory of the season.

The Division two clash played at the Eagles’ Showgrounds saw the home side blow out what was initially a close contest, the final score 17.16.118 to 13.3.81.

Whittlesea coach Peter Bugden was pleased with the result with things looking up at the Eagles’ nest.

“We are starting to play a bit better footy,” he said.

“Things are starting to look a lot better. After the Lower Plenty game (round two 10 point win) I talked about trying to play the whole four quarters, (against Watsonia) we played well in the last quarter.

“They played very well, they were one (loss) and two (wins) as well and we all know how important wins are against the middle road sides.

“Hopefully we can rack up a few more wins. It is pretty important when you only have a top four, you have got to stay in touch.”

The hosts, who fielded five under 19 players in the match, were inaccurate early with nine scoring opportunities returning 3.6 giving them a four-point lead at the first change. Bugden noted the inaccuracy.

“Every time they went forward they predominantly kicked goals.

“We finished with 17.16 and six or seven of those (points) were kickable goals.”

Five goals straight to the Saints kept them in the second quarter with the Eagles booting five of their own to stay in front.

The third quarter proved the difference as the home side produced a six-goal term to stretch the margin to 38 points.

Big man Jeremy Page was named best on for the Eagles earning his coach’s praise.

“Pagey played his best game since he has been back. He played fantastic. He pretty much rucked all day and went forward and kicked a goal.

“Jeremy played all his junior footy at Whittlesea and last year he played first division at Noble Park and won the best and fairest there but he was only ever going to play one year there. He has come back to play with his mates.”

Nick Snowdon had another good day out on the park in support of Page, while Troy Jinnette, Keegan Marc and Jason Ward were also solid contributors.

Todd Behan topped the goalscorers list with four for the match while Jason Buhagiar, Teariki Neophitou and Josh Nixon kicked three apiece.

Bugden and his charges now look to Sunday’s local derby against Mernda at Mernda with the two sides sitting fifth and sixth setting the scene for a quality showdown.

“It is a big game. There is a lot of rivalry between Mernda and Whittlesea.

“We have already started talking about how important it is. I know they got comprehensively beaten yesterday but there aren’t too many teams who will beat Macleod.”

With room to improve the Whittlesea coach will have his sights set on the Demons but he is content with the way his side is travelling.

“Overall I am very happy with the boys – I think we are still not playing fantastic footy but the endeavour is there and you can’t ask for more than that.”

In other Division Two results, Lower Plenty smashed Heidelberg West, Parkside beat Reservoir, Hurstbridge got up by seven points against Panton Hill, Fitzroy Stars were too strong for South Morang and Diamond Creek won against Epping.