Premier C: Marcellin keep clean sheet

By James Ried – @jamesried9

In a stunning performance Marcellin reclaimed top spot in a 158-point demolition of Therry Penola, keeping them goalless throughout. Such a display of offensive and defensive prowess was hitherto unheard of as the Premier C flag favouritism changes hands once again. Elsewhere, Monash Blues extended its win streak to five after defeating PEGS to sit just below Marcellin on percentage; Williamstown CYMS rekindled last years’ spark over the past fortnight as it upset Old Haileyburians at home; Peninsula rebounded from last weeks loss with a 56 point win over Old Camberwell; and Old Ivanhoe kept in reach of the top two with a victory against Oakleigh.

Marcellin had a day out unlike any seen before in Premier C. The Eagles picked apart Therry Penola’s defence, kicking 25 goals past the Lions, and were just as comprehensive down back, keeping them goalless for the whole game. The match was done and dusted by the first change with Therry facing a 44-point deficit. But Marcellin’s performance was devoid of sympathy, as they never gave the opposition any breathing room. The 100 point mark was notched up by halftime and another nine goals were added until the final siren. Jonathan Bortolotto led all comers with four goals while Ashley Viney kicked three and was named best on ground. The golden years of 2013-14 must look like an age away for Therry as they scratch and claw to avoid relegation with one of the worst percentages in the VAFA weighing them down.

Monash Blues are nipping at Marcellin’s heels as the Blues secured its victory in a more conventional manner. After only the single goal in the first quarter, Monash outshone PEGS with the wind advantage scoring five goals to one in the second term. PEGS could not make the most of its turn with the breeze and only put two goals past Monash. The Blues kept the Bombers scoreless in the last and tacked on four more majors to end the contest 57 point victors. Alfred Oppy was declared best afield with three goals for the Blues.

In the past fortnight Williamstown CYMS has found what won them the Division 1 premiership a year ago. It’s taken the CYs more than half the season, but with two wins on the trot, including this weeks over finals contender Old Haileyburians, they’ve found it. The game at Princes Park was a tight one for the majority, with only a goal separating the two, in Williamstown’s favour. Old Haileybury stepped up in the ‘premiership quarter’ with five goals to take a 13 point advantage into the final change. But Williamstown produced a deafening final quarter to overrun the home side. The CYs doubled its goal tally with nine goals in the last quarter to beat the Bloods by 30 points. Nicholas Ebinger made it a three-peat with another half-dozen goals while Russell Ackerly was best on for his performance and topped it off with two majors.

After Peninsula’s shock loss to PEGS last week it had to tackle another struggling team in Old Camberwell. In tough conditions, a game-ending lead was unlikely, and kept the fighting Old Camberwell in touching distance for most of the match. Peninsula couldn’t take a major lead in the first with erratic kicking. Nonetheless, The Pirates created a 31-point buffer in the second with four goals but again couldn’t seal a winning lead in the third as the Wellers brought it back to 27. It took until the last quarter but eventually Peninsula got the game-winning edge over Old Camberwell, keeping them scoreless in the last to run away 56 point victors. Alex Wood was B.O.G for Peninsula with two goals.

The Old Ivanhoe-Oakleigh clash ebbed and flowed throughout, as ascendancy proved impossible to maintain in what was an intriguing battle. Ivanhoe had it first with nine goals in the first quarter with a strong wind at their backs, before Oakleigh kicked three late goals in the term. In the second the Krushers swamped the Hoes’ lead with seven goals to one to earn a two point lead at the main break. Ivanhoe regained the lead in the third quarter to reverse the deficit. Oakleigh fought back once again but Old Ivanhoe were good enough to hold on by 18 points. Ricky Jessop (Old Ivanhoe) was given best on ground honours with a dynamic performance across the ground, whilst Aaron Cloke kicked 5 for the Krushers, moving to 61 for the year.

This week Old Ivanhoe host Therry Penola, where I expect the Hoes to take advantage of the Lions’ horrendous form. Monash Blues face Williamstown CYMS, and despite the fact that the CYs have lifted in recent weeks the Blues will be a too strong. Old Haileyburians travel to Marcellin where I’m predicting the top seed to hold out. In the PEGS-Old Camberwell fixture and on sheer home ground advantage, I am tipping the Bombers. For Old Camberwell, a win would relieve the stress of relegation. Peninsula plays Oakleigh; the Krushers will take home the four points.

Tips:

Old Ivanhoe v Therry Penola

Monash Blues v Williamstown CYMS

Marcellin v Old Haileyburians

PEGS v Old Camberwell

Peninsula v Oakleigh