THE Carlton Reserves continued their momentum in the lead-up to the VFL season, prevailing over North Melbourne at IKON Park in a practice match.

In a low-scoring affair, the Blues managed to hold on in a thrilling seven-point win, prevailing 8.11 (59) to 7.10 (52).

It was a hot start by the Roos with a major in the opening minute. Patrick Dozzi kicked the first for Carlton, and was complemented by some bright moments from young backs Harry O’Farrell and Billy Wilson.

Following the quarter-time break, recently elevated supplemental selection period signing Will White was energetic, kicking the Blues’ first of the term on his non-preferred right foot. Soon after, a nice set up from the midfield gave Taj Logan his first of the game with a tight set shot finish.

After a defensive intercept, Billy Wilson hit up Liam McMahon to give the Blues the lead halfway through the second for the first time, followed soon with Stirling Phipps-Parsons converting a nice set shot from the boundary.

The Blues kicked four of the last five to set up a 10-point lead going into half time.

After the major break, AFL-listed player Harry Lemmey provided a key option up forward, while Heath Ramshaw provided some drive alongside Harry Charleson from the back half.

With only two behinds coming in the third term for the Blues, Luke Nelson provided plenty of energy, as the Roos reduced the margin to two points at the final change.

White became the first multiple goal kicker of the game to start the last, with a classy finish on his left to kick his second, giving the Blues the first of the fourth term.

In a final-quarter tussle, Oliver Poole chimed in a late with a classy finish from close range to bolster the lead to eight points. North wouldn’t go away, answering with a major to bring the margin back to two points heading into the final minutes.

It was up to Harry Lemmey to put the icing on the cake with an outstanding set shot on the stroke of full time to seal the Carlton win.

The VFL Blues are set to match up against Richmond on Friday 14 March at 11am at IKON Park.

CARLTON RESERVES       1.3     5.6     5.8       8.11 (59)
NORTH MELBOURNE      2.0     4.2     5.6      7.10 (52)

GOALS: White 2, Dozzi, Logan, McMahon, Phipps-Parsons, Poole

Jaspar Wilson-Keir is a student at La Trobe University, undergoing his Bachelor of Media and Communications (Journalism and Marketing). He is currently undertaking an internship at the Carlton Football Club as part of its partnership with La Trobe University.