Bullants bounce back in high scoring round of Division 1

Posted on Fri, 30th June 2017 - Latest News, Featured, Division 1 Men's

Brin Duggan – @BrinDuggan

Round 10 produced 10 goals or more for each of the 10 teams in Division 1. More than just that though, a trend emerged in which each winner notched up a ton. It was a high-scoring round to say the least.

The first teams facing off were SMS and JOCs in a battle of the Saints. The Gods looked down favourably on this contest as the sun shone brightly. The JOCs’ prayers must have been heard as they came out strongly and took it right up to SMS, locking the scoreboard up at 49 a-piece at the half. The expectation was that SMS would run away with it in the second half but the Saints were unable to convert in front of goals and St Johns took a slender one-point lead into the final quarter. JOCs forward, Tim Edwards, was well on his way to his seven goals and a boil over was threatening. However, Jos “poison” op’t Hoog lived up to his nickname, and with the help of ruckman, Jack Elliston, used his poise to spark a four goal to one final term as SMS ran out 20-point winners. Dan Ryan snared another bag of seven and combined with Manny Dolan to form an unstoppable one-two punch. St Johns almost pulled off a heist with Nathan Mcconchie and Gerard Ennis keeping them in the contest.

Ivanhoe and Whitefriars entered Saturday with relegation anxieties running riot. For the first half, the encounter reflected the tight ladder standings. Locked at 53-54 as the halftime siren sounded, the match was up for grabs. Mercurial forward Michael Nitas was on fire for the Friars and Nick Thornely was displaying his club champion credentials for the Hoes. However, the Friars conceded 12 goals in the following half, managing only six of their own. A story that has been all too familiar for the Friars this year saw a competitive effort cancelled out by long, lacklustre periods. Resultantly, Whitefriars fell to the potent Hoes by 40-points. Once again, Hewitt Murray, who booted four goals, and Mark Richards flew the flag but it was not enough to counter the Ivanhoe guns. Of those, it was Samuel Wright, also four snags, and Reuben Blackmore-Moore who shone brightest.

At the runway, powerful PEGS were hosting seventh placed Brunswick. Quarter time reflected the strength of PEGS as they held NOBS to just one goal as they built a commanding lead. Brunswick dug in, however, and booted five goals in the second to trail by just 10-points as the halftime siren sounded. Chris Ford was his usual productive self and was well on his way to five goals. Unfortunately for the NOBS, PEGS took flight in the second half. They bullocked through 13 goals in an insatiable performance, blowing the NOBS away and running out 72-point victors. Adrian Romanyk and Trent Skurrie again did all sorts of damage this week, combining for an impressive 12 goals. PEGS are a force to be reckoned with in Division 1, and team’s hoping to take down the ladder leaders will need to first account for their prolific forward line. Next, they would be best to find a way to stop BOG Scott Whillas as he continues his strong year. Previously mentioned Chris Ford was named best for the NOBS after he booted half of their goals.

Preston returned to the winner’s circle after reversing their early season result against the Oaks. A competitive first half had the parochial supporters vocal and the Bullants leading by 11-points. The cheers turned to goals after the main break as Preston accelerated to a 37-point three quarter time lead. 37 proved a bridge too far for the Krushers and, despite a valiant effort, they fell by 24-points. Aaron Cloke did all he could in front of the sticks to reverse the result with another five goals while club legend, Trevor Bromley, was irrepressible. The Bullants were impressive and continue to get by on all round team efforts. However, Reed Jepson and Damon Marcon stood out and first gamer, Joseph Hill, booted three goals on debut.

The mighty Monders put the sword to an underwhelming Therry and pushed themselves one game clear of fifth place. Stalwart, Boyd Upstill, and Ormond were playing spirited football. They raced out to a 41-point halftime lead on the back of five first half goals to Luke Duthie. Leading by 10-goals at three-quarter-time, Ormond took the foot off the pedal and ran out 63-point winners by the final siren. Therry sit just one game out of the relegation zone but cannot point the finger at the Egglestone boys, Brock and Jarrod, who have fought mightily all year for the Lions. Ormond had contributors across the board but it was recruit, Matt Hine, who snared the BOG six-pack. Well done to Boyd Upstill who played a brilliant milestone game and was among his side’s best players.

Round 11 comes across as clean-cut; the three-win NOBS host the six-win Krushers as they attempt to reverse the seven goal defeat from round 4. Though, I anticipate Oakleigh will get it done. Another three-win side in Ivanhoe welcome eight-and-two Preston. After falling by over 100-points to Preston in round 1, Ivanhoe have some improving to do, however, Preston should continue their dominance over the Hoes. Three-win Therry will take on top-of-the-table PEGS. PEGS won by 10-goals last time and may well double that this time in an easy win. The relegation zone JOCs face high flying Ormond who won the reverse fixture by just five goals. The JOCs match up well against the Monders and should take it right to them in a close Ormond win. Finally, last placed Whitefriars extend their arms to eight win SMS. The round five match-up between these sides resulted in a comprehensive victory to the Saints. It should be the same this time round, an SMS shellacking and another six-goal haul to Manny Dolan.