Old Ivanhoe thriller earns top spot

James Ried

Last round drew some nail-biting finishes, none more so than Old Ivanhoe’s victory over Marcellin as the Eagles relinquished top spot to the Hoes who claimed pole position with their three point win. Elsewhere, Old Haileyburians survived a scare from Old Camberwell by a solitary point as the Wellers shot themselves in the foot, winning the scoring shots but losing the game; Williamstown CYMS got back onto the winners list over PEGS; Peninsula smashed Therry Penola at home; and Oakleigh surprised Monash to end Blues’ six game winning steak.

An undermanned Old Ivanhoe would’ve been dreading its match up against Marcellin. But on the field there were no signs of hiccups. Marcellin however, had just that – hiccups that is – especially in front of goal. The Eagles kicked 2.6 in the first quarter and in the en, it arguably cost them the four points. Old Ivanhoe evened the scores at halftime before powering away in the third with seven goals to earn a 22 point buffer. Marcellin fought back in the last to set up a tense final term. Old Ivanhoe’s fullback Ritchie Butler proved a defining force in the last, leading the defence in some desperate play to keep Marcellin from snatching victory.

Old Camberwell’s rugged time in Premier C this season had looked to turn for the better. With its first win in Round 7, the Weller’s shaped up against Old Haileyburians in Round 8. Although the Bloods spoiled the party, winning by the slimmest of margins. In a low scoring, scrappy affair Old Haileybury secured a one point win. The margin never exceeded two goals throughout the game and goals were seemingly impossible to come by. This was the tale of the game – Old Camberwell finished with 24 scoring shots but one less goal. 5.19-49 looks as bad on paper as it would’ve felt during the game. Only positive for Old Camberwell is that it’s proved it can play better footy than their current 9^th place suggests.

Williamstown CYMS returned to winning ways against PEGS following a forgettable first half of the season. The CY’s took an early advantage in the first quarter and kept that edge to the final siren. The two goal buffer became four in the second and the CY’s secured that advantage in the third. PEGS chipped away in the final term and won the quarter but couldn’t close the gap as Williamstown gained its second win of the season by 18 points. Nicholas Ebinger backed up his five goals from the previous week with another seven against PEGS in a best on performance and a Club Warehouse Rising Star Nomination to lift his team to victory.

Peninsula made light work of Therry Penola as one of Premier C’s top tier sides potentially ended another’s finals hopes. While Therry were kept goalless in the first, the Pirates racked up five of their own. The Lions’ troubles had only begun as it struggled to convert majors throughout the game, ending with only three goals. The Pirates’ strong defensive efforts were outdone by an even better offense with 12 goal kickers. The margin was extended at each change until finally reaching the total of 96 at game’s end. William Harbinson was best afield for Peninsula with his contribution, which was topped off with two goals.

Oakleigh provided the upset of the round with a victory over a recently rampant Monash Blues. The first half was tight as Oakleigh stuck fat and held off Monash at home, taking a slender lead at both changes. Monash had opportunities to take the lead but missed crucial shots in front of goal. In the second half Oakleigh began to suffocate Monash, refusing to give the Blues the space they needed as Oakleigh kicked the lead out to 12 points. Monash had faded completely in the last with the Krushers pushing its advantage beyond five goals midway through the term. Oakleigh held off the Blues from here to reap a 28 point win. Trent Bromley kicked a game-high five goals for the victors.

This week, Old Ivanhoe hosts Williamstown CYMS, the Hoes should secure the four points with relative ease in this one. Monash Blues travel to Therry Penola, Monash will return with a win after its streak was ended in Round 8. PEGS plays Marcellin, the Eagles to come home victorious. Old Haileyburians face Peninsula, expect the Pirates to get the job done away from home. Finally, Oakleigh take on Old Camberwell as the Krushers will make it two wins in a row.

Tips

Old Ivanhoe v Williamstown CYMS

Therry Penola v Monash Blues

PEGS v Marcellin

Old Haileyburians v Peninsula

Oakleigh v Old Camberwell