Division 2 Rd 11 – Snakes, Munro defeat Swans

Old Paradians held on to defeat Monash Gryphons by three points in a thriller at East Caulfield Reserve earlier today. Trailing by four points at the half, 5.10 to 5.3 in the final two quarters proved just enough as the Raiders stumbled to a hard-fought victory. James Kandilakis and Michael Bellizia snagged three each for the Raiders, who have now won four games in a row.

In another Division 2 match decided by less than a kick, Elsternwick held on to defeat Eltham Collegians by four points at Elsternwick Park. Despite having less scoring shots than their more-fancied opponents, the Wickers were able to snap a four-game losing streak and claim their third win for the season.

Ivanhoe continued their Division 2 dominance, defeating the Northern Blues by 85 points in a blowout at Ivanhoe Park. Leading by seven goals at the main break, the Hoes pressed for a further 14 majors in the second half, while keeping the Blues to eight for the match. Mitchell Lovell continued his reign up forward, booting six goals in his teams’ win.

Richmond Central climbed one position to sixth on the ladder following their 48-point win against South Melbourne Districts at Kevin Bartlett Reserve. The Snakes started strong, sending through 14 first-half goals to the Swans’ five. Despite a minor comeback in the second half, the margin proved too steep for the Swans, who failed to find an answer to Snakes forward Jake Munro as he booted seven goals.

St Johns cemented their spot in second position on the Division 2 ladder with a comfortable 49-point win against MHSOB at Thomas Carroll Reserve. Aaron Thornton kicked six goals for the JOC’s, while Nicholas Hawking and Anthony Svirskis kicked three each for the Unicorns.