What the clubs said this week

St Bernard’s website following their 7-point loss to Collegians

A perfect day for footy saw St Bernard’s head to Harry Trott to take on Collegians. With last year’s preliminary final loss still etched in our memories, before the game coach, Anthony Rock reminded the players of that disastrous losing score of 5.22. We clearly had plenty to play for.  We had seven changes from last week, welcoming back, Nathan Kazuro from injury, and inclusion of first gamer, Darren Colaco.

Kicking with the breeze in the first quarter St Bernard’s looked their best when they moved the ball quickly and gave our tall forwards the opportunity of a one-on one contest. Andrew Merrington looked particularly dangerous kicking three in the quarter. (Read More)

 

University Blacks website following their 32-point win over Beaumaris

Things can turn around quickly in football. No supporter of the Blacks would be under any illusions about that after the seniors went winless through the first month of the season, albeit against some stiff opposition. But the Blacks look like they are starting to find their groove, making it two on the hop with a strong 32-point win over Beaumaris on Saturday to ensure they are still within touching distance of the sides above them on the ladder.

Sunny skies greeted the players as they made their way out onto the ground, and whilst both sides had chances early in the piece to gain the ascendancy on a splendid day for footy, neither team was able to capitalise. The result was 1.3 apiece at the first change and despite the good conditions, a low scoring game looked to be on the cards.

Whilst the first term was a tight affair, the game started to flow in the second. The forward line was razor sharp – Quaile, Pattinson, Robbins and Louis O’Brien were all causing some problems for the Shark’s defence and the Blacks piled on six majors in a quarter which saw 10 goals kicked between both teams.

 

University Blues website following their 18-point loss to Old Xaverians

Xavs were always going to come out hard after a comprehensive defeat the hands of Old Carey the previous week, so the start did not come as a surprise. However, the Blues with some late crucial starting line up changes did not have the required intensity to match the Xavs early on.

With the first term being played exclusively at the grand stand end of the ground, the Blues defence led by Langham and Kitchen hung on until the first break. Thankfully the scoreline was lopsided to the behinds which meant the Blues were only 32 points down as they went to the huddle.

The message at the break from coach Gleeson was measured and the Blues looked to reel the game in. This time play spent most of the second term in the Blues half with 5 goals obtained for the term, including 3 to Xavier McMahon (5 for the match).

 

Hampton Rovers website following their 24-point win over Caulfield Grammarians

Daniel Corp kicked six as Hampton Rovers defeated Caulfield Grammarians by 24 points to record their third win of the 2015 season.

In perfect conditions at Boss James Reserve, the Rovers led all day but the visitors were always within striking distance. Mark Devereaux opened the scoring with a goal after a minute, getting the ball from a throw-in and kicking truly. Four unanswered goals – two each either side of quarter time – had the Rovers 28 points up and in full control, threatening to run away with the contest, before the visitors responded with three of their own.

Hampton were dominating the ruck with Charlie Kelso back in the line-up while the forwards were doing the job, highlighted by a best on ground performance by Danny Corp who finished with six goals. (Read More)

 

Oakleigh AFC website following their 61-point win over PEGS

Oakleigh Amateurs bounced back from the disappointing effort of last week with a dominant second half against PEGS on Saturday in the VAFA Premier C division sixth round at PEGS playing fields. Although depleted by injury, the Krushers were keen to make amends for the fade-out against Old Ivanhoe , began full of confidence but PEGS proved equal to the task and kept the Oaks to a one goal lead at the first change. The second term saw Oakleigh begin to take charge with a 5 goal burst and a 24 point lead at the long break.

PEGS fought back in the third with 4 goals but couldn’t stop the Krushers from adding another 5 and opening up a 31 point lead going into the last quarter. (Read More)

 

St Mary’s Salesian website following their 10-point win over Prahran Assumption

In perfect conditions with no wind, SMS kicked to the Pavilion end and had the best of the first stanza outrunning their Prahran Assumption opponents. The midfield was in the ascendancy, the backline tight, and the forwards moved well. Goals were registered by Gary ‘Bucky’ Puruntatameri – after a pass from Louie Holmes, Sid Jones (2) – and in everything, and Jackson Strangward – playing his first game of the season. The Saints led by 26 points at the break.

In the second quarter, the Two Blues lifted their workrate and were able to create stoppages thereby reducing the home team’s run. Jake Kenyon and Brett Gatehouse led a back six often under pressure but able to check most of the visitors advances. Prahran Assumption had their chances in front of goal but kicked poorly scoring 2-4, while the Saints were well served by Luke Dykes and Darcy Grant, slotted majors through Holmes and Strangward, but hit the post twice – one a very unlucky Dylan Gook longshot – in their 2-6. At half-time SMS held a valuable 28 point advantage.