Bears looking for redemption in Premier C

By Christian Burgess

It was undoubtedly the match of the round and no better place to start the Premier C report than with the Kew vs Old Ivanhoe battle. It was going to be a telling game, setting up either side for their year ahead and it’s fair to say both sides can come out of the game with positives. Kew showed that they are capable of competing against the sections’ best and will be a force in 2016. For Old Ivanhoe, they showed they’ve got the courage and to never write them off after the come from behind victory without Zachariah medallist, Carl Groth, and ex-Saint, Matt Ferguson. It was a see-saw battle which saw Old Ivanhoe Grammarians captain, Michael Mitris, cap off his standout four quarter performance by kicking the winning goal after the siren and sealing an incredible one-point win at Chelsworth Park. 

Caulfield Grammarians flexed their muscles in what looked like a close encounter at three quarter time against Ormond, until Caulfield piled on six goals in the last quarter to finish the game 50 points clear. It was the first victory for Caulfield and they will try to continue their form into this week’s game against Marcellin. Brett Sinclair was superb all day finishing with three goals for the Fields whilst Charlie Logan managed to kick four majors. Daniel Haysom tried to will the Monders over the line but it wasn’t enough even with the help of Jeremy Simon and James Landman who kicked two goals respectively. Ormond now find themselves last on the ladder and face the difficult task of unbeaten Old Ivanhoe this weekend.

An electric first quarter to Mazenod saw them four goals clear of Old Camberwell Grammarians at quarter time. Not to give in, the Wellers were equally impressive in the second quarter kicking 4.7 and held the Nodders to only one point. But it was the resurgent that saw the Nodders pile on 12 goals in the second half to run away with a 43 point victory. Kieren McKeogh was a part of the Mazenod Under 19 program since 2014 where he played a dominant role up forward. What looks to be like his first senior year of football, Kieren found his feet finishing the day with four majors. His partner in crime and another young gun of the Nodders was Thomas Cincotta who also bagged four goals to go with his best on ground performance. Thomas Kanz kicked three for the Wellers but it was enough as they finished with 10.12 for the day. The Wellers are yet to register a win but face off with Oakleigh this weekend in what is expected to be an enthralling battle.

Peninsula OB’s sent a message to the competition with their win against Premier C stalwart’s, Marcellin. The Pirates led all day averaging more than 4 goals per quarter. Led by their Skipper Stu Grigg who was best afield on the day, working tirelessly with fellow midfielders making it easier for Stefan Barbour who finished the day with five goals. The Pirates had 11 goal kickers on the day and have earnt themselves top spot on the ladder after round 2. Jeremiah Antypas, a previous Rising Star nominee was a shining light for the Eagles, finishing with four goals.

Some inaccurate kicking in the first quarter saw Oakleigh 0.5 and Williamstown CYMS 1.7. Both teams had their chances to get to an early lead but it was left until the second quarter when Oakleigh found their first goal and three more to be five points clear at half time. Unfortunately for the Krushers, the lead quickly changed in a dominant quarter to the Cy’s as they kicked six goals to the Krushers one. Daniel Calman-Orr was impressive for the Cy’s kicking one major and was best on ground for the day. Aaron Cloke did what Cloke does best, kicking three and was helped by Stuart Wines who found the big sticks three times also.

I predict Kew will be out for redemption and will win away from home this weekend. Old Ivanhoe will continue their winning form against winless Ormond. Old Camberwell Grammarians will only just be victors against the Krushers. The match of the round will be Marcellin v Caulfield, where I think Marcellin will register their first win for the season. If they don’t it will make it very difficult to resurge for finals from there. Peninsula will hold top spot and defeat Williamstown CYMS.

I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend!  

Round 3 Tips

Mazenod v Kew

Ormond v Old Ivanhoe Grammarians

Old Camberwell Grammarians v Oakleigh AFC

Marcellin OC v Caulfield Grammarians

Peninsula OB v Williamstown CYMS