THE CARLTON RESERVES prevailed in an exciting match against Essendon on Sunday afternoon at IKON Park, winning by 31 points.

After scores were tied during the third quarter, the Blues ended up taking control of the contest. A strong second half from Carlton, with Liam McMahon kicking three goals in the third term, saw the Blues prevail by five goals and secure their second consecutive win.

David Cuningham (27 disposals, two goals) and Lachie Fogarty (27 disposals, nine score involvements) had a big impact in the Blues’ win, while VFL-listed Heath Ramshaw was best afield with 31 disposals and a goal.

Quarter one

It was a slow start for both teams as they struggled to hit the scoreboard, with Ben Ronke kicking the first major 15 minutes into the quarter. The Bombers kicked one shortly after, with high-pressure, scrappy football ensuing. Zac Fisher - who featured in a new role across half-back - and youngster Patrick Dozzi had hot hands on the footy early, while Ramshaw was busy in the middle. McMahon kicked his first of the match, while Cuningham converted a long-range goal shortly after following some strong forward pressure. Carlton took control in the second half of the quarter but the Bombers weren’t giving up easy, kicking a goal just before the end of the first term.

Quarter two

The Blues were left to play the remainder of the game without leading goalkicker Ronke, who was sidelined with a hand injury. The Bombers came out quick in the second term, kicking a goal early on, but some terrific ball movement from the Blues found Ramshaw who converted truly. After an assist from Fisher, Harry Lemmey backed it up in front of goal shortly after, as Lachie Cowan set up strongly behind the ball with a number of intercept marks. Cuningham’s pressure continued around the ball, but as Essendon responded, captain Ben Crocker converted a nice goal from near the boundary line to give the Blues a two-point lead heading into the main break.

Quarter three

It didn’t take long for the Blues to make their intentions known: Ramshaw got the ball from the middle, and again with quick ball movement, Lachie Fogarty found McMahon who collected his second goal. Fogarty lifted in the second half, as he and Lochie O’Brien provided some great forward deliveries for the Blues. Lachie Plowman was physical in the backline, providing some key defensive highlights, as McMahon converted number three at the other end. Back-to-back Essendon goals midway through the quarter levelled the scores, but Carlton’s pressure lifted from there, with Archie Stevens getting plenty of the Sherrin and youngster Hayden Gill making a statement with a strong mark and goal. Ramshaw showed great composure to find McMahon for his fourth, giving the Blues a 16-point lead heading into the final term.

Quarter four

There were a couple of scoring opportunities for the Blues to stretch their lead in the opening minutes, but they struggled to convert. The Bombers were pressing to cut the margin, scoring a goal five minutes into the quarter, but the Blues held firm early and then took control of the contest. Crocker, Gill and then Cuningham all converted their second majors, with the latter’s classy goal shutting the door on the Bombers. Josh Honey popped one in just before the final siren as the Blues took away the win.

CARLTON RESERVES        3.4     6.6     10.10       14.15 (99)
ESSENDON                        2.2     6.4      8.6           10.8 (68)

GOALS
Carlton: McMahon 4, Crocker 2, Cuningham 2, Gill 2, Honey, Lemmey, Ramshaw, Ronke

BESTS
Carlton: Ramshaw, Fogarty, Cuningham, Fisher, McMahon, Cowan