Northerners 5, Belgrave Wanderers 3
NORTH began their defence of the FNB Priaulx League title in style last night as they overwhelmed their once great rivals at Northfield.
It is not too long since their clashes with Bels were full of intensity and the highlight of any season, but here they had far too much for a much-changed visiting outfit.
Only captain Simon Marley and Ant Austen remained from the side who had been champions in their own right just 18 months ago and in the place of those departed are a young, inexperienced group.
Against a chocolate-and-blues side that has such enviable depth that they were able to leave star striker Simon Tostevin out of the team, Bels were always up against it.
In fairness, they were full value for their equaliser when they levelled proceedings at 1-1 early on, but a six-minute blitz of three goals proved the difference.
Ryan Lamb, Nigel Hutton (two), Chris Le Cheminant and Ollie McKenzie scored for the hosts while Nick Abbott, Jamie Gauvain and Ben Youlton netted for the visitors.
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