Undefeated streaks ended in Premier C

James Ried

If you thought Premier C’s competition couldn’t get closer – it did so in Round 4. Before the weekends’ games two clubs sat solely above a cluster with 3-0 win-loss ratios. By the end, Old Ivanhoe and Peninsula were brought back to a huge bunch all at 3-1. Oakleigh edged past Peninsula at home while Old Haileyburians outdid their opponents in Old Ivanhoe. Elsewhere Monash Blues joined the 3-1 brigade, handsomely defeating Williamstown CYMS; Therry Penola kept PEGS from breaking their duck; and Marcellin held off Old Camberwell.

Williamstown’s venture to the plush home of local confidant, Williamstown VFL will not be blissfully remembered. Monash Blues joined them at Burbank Oval and made the ground their own from the outset. Monash doubled Williamstown’s goal tally in the first term – but this proved to be the least of Willy’s woes. Six goals in the second saw the Blues push the lead to 37 at halftime. The CY’s two goals in the term would be their last for the game. Monash added another five majors before the final siren to win by 73 points. Nick Petering kicked seven for the Blues in his match-winning outing.

Old Haileyburians broke Old Ivanhoe’s undefeated streak in conditions set for September as the wind played a key to success. The Bloods kicked with it in the first and ensured a solid 14 point lead at the first break. Ivanhoe wasted chances in the second and couldn’t make use of the advantage scoring 1.7 while Haileybury bagged two of their own. The visitors kicked away to a 22 point lead by three quarter time but the Hoes rallied late with the wind at their backs in the last creating nervous times for the travelling fans. But the Bloods steadied and finished 15 point victors. Chris Povey provided a great focal point for Haileybury at CHF and was B.O.G with four goals.

With the wind at their backs in the first quarter, PEGS were restricted to just one goal by Therry Penola, who managed a major of their own. The tight tussle in the opening term costing PEGS in the end. Therry made use of their turn with seven goals to gain a 34 point buffer at the half. PEGS cut the deficit to 13 after the long break but it wasn’t enough as the Lions ran home with the breeze to win by 32 points. Darcy Ryan won the inaugural Sean Flaherty medal for best on ground between the two teams. While Jarrod Bannister was brilliant again with seven majors, his brother Corey joined in with five.

Marcellin were made to put in a four quarter effort to earn the points last weekend as the winless Old Camberwell pressured the Eagles at home. Old Camberwell were three points adrift at both the quarter and halftime mark, but won the third quarter to lead by four at the final change. Marcellin’s strength and experience arose in the last, kicking five goals to the Wellers two. The Eagles ended the contest 14 point winners but signs from Old Camberwell were more than positive with a strong performance verse a finals contender. Stephen Derry was best on ground for Marcellin who join the four others at 3-1.

Oakleigh scrambled their way back onto the winners list nudging past Peninsula in the final term. The Krushers smothered the Pirates in the first with five goals to take an early 26 point lead, inaccuracy at goal however withheld the margin from displaying Oakleigh’s dominance. Oakleigh’s lead was chipped away by Peninsula who put themselves in front late in the third to go into the last quarter 3 points ahead. Peninsula extended their advantage to 10 midway through the fourth term, and Oakleigh looked gone for all money. A late surge by the Krushers and desperate defending kept them three points up at the final siren. Aaron Cloke was the leading goal kicker and best afield with five goals for Oakleigh.

This week, Monash Blues play PEGS, Monash will go 4-1 and ease past the Bombers. Therry Penola host Williamstown CYMS, a rematch of the Division 1 Grand Final. Both clubs need the victory to stick with the pack, predicting Therry to win at home. Peninsula face Old Camberwell at home, should be an easy win for the Pirates. Marcellin travel to Old Haileyburians, the Bloods coming off a big victory, tipping they will carry this momentum into this weekend and knock off the Eagles. Oakleigh take on Old Ivanhoe at Scammell Reserve, Ivanhoe will get back on the winners list with in a close one over the Krushers.

Monash Blues v PEGS

Therry Penola v Williamstown CYMS

Peninsula v Old Camberwell

Old Haileyburians v Marcellin

Oakleigh v Old Ivanhoe