SATURDAY SKINNY

HEARTSTOPPERS AND BIG BAGS

Magnificent games, close finishes and some extraordinary feats in front of the sticks marked another dramatic round of VAFA football. Nathan Black kicked thirteen as Werribee Districts beat Mazenod, while Brent Fairbanks kicked twelve in a losing Chadstone team.

In Premier, Collegians dropped its second on end, losing to De La Salle. Old Melburnians earned a stay of execution when they beat Old Haileybury at McKinnon. St Bede’s Mentone Tigers smashed Old Trinity with George Rowlands kicking five to head the Brindisians twelve goalkickers. Matt Handley stayed hot as Xavs comfortably accounted for Old Scotch, while Uni Blues won a thriller at HQ over Old Carey by three points. UPSHOT: Just one separates first and third, with Collegians (1) and SBMT (2) clashing next week. Uni Blues a game clear in fourth ahead of Carey and DLS, still alive, six points out with two to play. At the rear, Old Scotch now just two points clear of Old Haileybury and Old Melburnians.

In Premier B, surging St Bernard’s got eight from Andrew Merrington, who whipped Hampton Rovers. St Kevin’s got Dylan Newman in a winning effort against Beauy. Caulfield Grammarians further dented Old Ivanhoe’s chances, while Oakleigh stayed alive when it won a squeaker against Old Brighton. Blacks beat Marcellin. UPSHOT: Bernies and Oakleigh tied for fourth, a game behind Old Brighton.

Rupo stunned Premier C leader AJAX, while Old Camberwell smashed Monash Blues. Ormond tipped MHSOB by a point. Mazenod had eight from Chamath Jayaweera and six from Jacob Beard but the performance of Nat Black saw the Bees home. Fitzroy clobbered Old Essendon. UPSHOT: Fitzroy and Old Camberwell tied in fourth, with Rupo and Old Essendon just half a game back.

Adam Barclay kicked six as Banyule beat Paradians. Jimmy Coghlan kicked five for the Pirates, who beat Old Geelong (Mark Leslie five). The Vultures swopped all over Mentonians, with Lachy Oakley slamming seven. NOBS had Todd Patterson boot ten, Kyle Adams six and Matthew Keown five as they whacked Bulleen Temp. Josh Vanderloo got seven as Willy beat the Friars. UPSHOT: NOBs in third, three teams – the Friars, Peninsula and Willy will fight for fourth next week, R18.

In Div 2, Glenn Boyd got five as Glen Eira edged Therry Penola. Aquinas stayed alive by beating struggling fellow traveller Old Westbourne. Jack McMeel kicked five for the Trobers who couldn’t beat Eltham. St Mary’s Salesian tipped Emmaus, while Finn Tiernan’s five for SMD couldn’t get the Bloods home against St John’s. UPSHOT: Eltham tips the Trobers from the four. One of SMD, SMS and Aquinas will be demoted.

Justin Hunter kicked eleven, Scott Grace five, and Aaron Thornton five as the Wicks sent the Hawks packing. Adam Sleight kicked six as the Four Blues whipped Albert Park. Ivanhoe beat West Brunswick and Power House was beaten by UHS-VU. Alex Ross kicked five for the Gryphs, who lost to Yarra Valley. Kew edged Mt Lilydale. UPSHOT: One of Power House, Hawthorn and West Brunswick fight for two spots next week.

In Div 4, Eley Park smashed Point Cook. Dwayne Scott kicked six and Ben Spencer five (including his hundred) as SFX partied at BHN’s expense. Richmond Central had Michelles from James Egan and Christian Traeger in their vital win over South Mornington, which had five from Will Spencer. James Quarmby slotted five for North Brunny, which was pumped by Swinburne Uni. The Cobras bead Chaddy by just eleven points, Scott McPherson’s eight overshadowed by the aforementioned solo skills of Brent Fairbanks. UPSHOT: Swinny, the Stationmasters and the Sharks all seek second spot next week.