R8: SATURDAY’S HEROES

BIG GUNS IN GOALS AGAIN

It was another day for the goalsmiths as R8 played out across Melbourne in calm weather. The darkness set in early at some grounds and the threatening cloud of relegation can be seen hovering over a number of clubhouses tonight. Not so South Mornington, where All-VAFA spearhead Jesse Albrecht kicked another nine, while Ash Close of Ivanhoe booted twelve. Not surprisingly, their teams both won. 

In Premier, Caulfield Grammarians jumped away but were then caught and caned by unbeaten Collegians, with Shura Taft stabbing six. The Fieldsmen were over-run after the long break, conceding fourteen goals to three, the third time on end at home they have been walloped by a top team. Next stop for the Lions is a date with Old Xaverians, who came back from a four goal half-time deficit to overwhelm De La Salle. Old Carey came late to snatch victory from Old Trinity. Adem Yze was best for the Panthers on debut, booting five, all in the final term. Scotch led Uni Blues by just two points at the first change but then stomped them, with Luke Schumann kicking five in his second senior game. St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers meet St BernardÆs at Sportscover tomorrow, beginning at 1:20. Admission is free.

In Premier B, Uni Blacks fell to Beaumaris, which finished the better. Scott "Tower of Power" Gower kicked five for the victors. Old Melburnians were too strong for Werribee Districts at the Junction, Old Ivanhoe went down  to Old Haileybury by a point, their straight kicking not enough. Old Brighton defeated Oakleigh after being level at the half.

In Premier C, Fitzroy clipped Rupertswood and Mazenod was too strong for Monash Blues. Marcellin was outstanding, defeating Old Camberwell by 82 points, with Matt Bortolotto kicking five. Banyule atoned for its grand final defeat by torching Parkdale Vultures. Adam Barclay kicked seven for the Bears. PEGS got six from Nick Bartram in their hammering of Hampton Rovers. 

Division 1 pacesetter Old Mentonians stopped MHSOB in its tracks, while North Old Boys/St Pats belted Glen Eira. Callum Wood booted five as the Oggers topped ladder leadr Peninsula by eight points. The Friars went big on St John’s, while Ormond’s strong second half stitched up WilliamstownÆs hopes of a second straight win, despite six from Josh Vanderloo. 

Bulleen Templestowe led all day against Emmaus St Leo’s in Division 2. Sab Ciavola kicked six for the Turtles and Bryan Galvin five as Old Eltham beat Therry Penola, for whom Jake George kicked six. Old Paradians stitched up the struggling Trobers, while greater accuracy enabled South Melbourne Districts to snatch a draw with St Mary’s Salesian. Andy Hannan kicked five for the bloods, while next big thing Sam Autio did the same for the Saints. After recent shaky form, Monash Gryphons stunned the Four Blues.

Kew punished Aquinas in a Div 3 upset, while Troy Farrell slipped through six in St Francis Xavier’s toppling of UHS-VU. Old Westbourne lost to Ivanhoe, while Dan Lauletta booted five at Visy Park to see the Hawks dump the House. The Wickers won a squeaker with Albert Park after the Bankers had led at the lemons. Leader Yarra Valley defeated Richmond Central, with Steve Donald kicking five for the Rangers.

Division 4 action saw Damon Green get five in the Razorbacks’ win over the Cider Men. Table-toppers South Mornington had no trouble with West Brunswick. Eley Park monstered Chadstone, while the Cobras won again, tripping up Box Hill North. Dan Penny nailed five for the vanquished. Aaron Marsh had a Michelle as Point Cook beat North Brunswick.