Blues belt Bloods, Hoes still number one

By Nick Armistead

Monash Blues continued their push for top spot on the Premier C ladder with a 91-point thrashing of Old Haileyburians at Frearson Oval. After an even first quarter, the Blues lifted a gear and piled on 15 goals while keeping the Bloods to only two more for the rest of the match. Nicholas Petering sent through five majors, while Damien Hatch added four of his own for the winning side. Despite the heavy loss, the Bloods remain fourth on the ladder and two games clear of Peninsula in fifth, while the Blues jump above Marcellin into second position.

Williamstown recorded a much-needed 21-point victory over Oakleigh in a high-scoring match at Fearon Reserve. With 38 goals kicked in total, the CYs proved too good as they claimed 21 to Oakleigh’s 17. Nicholas Ebinger did the damage at one end for the CYs with six majors, while Krushers forward Aaron Cloke snagged seven at the other end. It is a significant loss for the Krushers’ finals aspirations as they sit sixth with five wins for the season.

Old Camberwell snapped a two-game losing streak and did their percentage no harm with a 56-point win against Therry Penola at John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve. An 11-goal opening half set up the win for the Wells, who were able to hold on thanks in large to five Jackson Eade majors and a best-on-ground performance from Robert Campbell. Jarrod Bannister’s four goals weren’t enough as his side suffered its fifth loss on the trot.

Marcellin won their fifth match from their last six outings with a 27-point victory against Peninsula in front of their home crowd at Marcellin College. The Pirates came back from 21 points down at quarter-time to lead by five at the half, but a seven goal to two second half put any thought of an upset to bed as Matthew Bortolotto and Jarrod Carlson ran riot for the Eagles. Stefan Barbour kicked five for the Pirates, but it simply was not enough to stem the Eagles’ second half flow. Despite the win, the Eagles fall from second to third on the ladder due to percentage.

Old Ivanhoe held onto top spot of the Premier C ladder following a 42-point win against PEGS at PEGS Sporting Fields. In what was tipped to be a David and Goliath battle, the 10^th-placed PEGS never let the Hoes get too far ahead, with the final score the biggest margin at any break throughout the match. Bradley Thompson was dominant in front of the big sticks, kicking six goals for the Hoes.