Nodders climb highest in Premier C, but Pirates remain undefeated with classic against Kew

Mazenod sit atop the Premier C ladder for the first time this season after they defeated Old Ivanhoe Grammarians by 48 points at Central Reserve Oval.  Trailing by five points after a low scoring first term, the Nodders piled on six straight goals in the second to secure the ascendancy and ultimately the victory. Brad Kovac kicked two on his way to a best on ground performance for the Nodders, while Richard Skok had his best 2016 outing for the Hoes. It was a disappointing loss for the Hoes who welcomed back 2015 Zachariah medallist, Carl Groth, from injury after two one-point wins without the star.

Williamstown CYMS entered the top four for the first time this season on the back of a sensational 44-point come-from-behind victory against Ormond at Fearon Reserve. Trailing by 16 at quarter time, and 15 at the half, the CYs fought back to lead by one with a quarter to play. Using the momentum of a strong third term, the CYs registered seven goals to one in the final 30 minutes as they ran away from the Monders in a dominant display of final-quarter football. Mitch Parkinson (six goals) and Mati Kristakakis (five) were front and centre of the CY’s resurgence, while Simon Keleher and Jack Short did the damage early for the Monders.

Caulfield Grammarians put a disastrous first quarter behind them and ran over Old Camberwell by 53 points at Glenhuntly Oval. Trailing 8-32 at the first break, the Fields put three strong quarters together and registered 17 of the next 23 goals for the match. Will Barker ran riot in his best performance for the year in Fields colours, while Louis O’Keefe and Declan Reilly kicked three goals each. Phillip Bennett can do no wrong for the Wells as he was named their best for the third time in as many weeks and Robert Campbell kicked four.

Peninsula and Kew played a four-quarter classic at Victoria Park earlier today, with the Pirates edging over the line by three points and remaining undefeated to start the season. A nine-goal to six first half gave the Bears a 20-point buffer at the main break, but the Pirates – as they have all year – went from strength to strength and kicked 10 goals to six in the second half. Thomas Wilkinson and Stefan Barbour combined for nine goals, with Barbour taking his season tally to 19 from four games. Tim Allman was big for the Bears, kicking four while Andrew Brazzale, Liam Kinsella and Rob Maibaum recorded two each. Despite the win, the Pirates fall to second on the ladder for the first time this year.

Oakleigh registered their first four points for the season, defeating the winless Marcellin by five points in a classic at Scammell Reserve. A six-goal to one first quarter put the Krushers on the back foot early, but seven in the second term steadied the ship. Leading by one at the half, the Krushers kicked just three goals to the Eagles’ four in the third and fourth, but 13 behinds – albeit inaccurate and likely frustrating – gave the Krushers a lead they could hold onto. Trevor Bromley kicked three, while Aaron Cloke was well held by the Eagles’ defenders with just two goals. Daniel McMahon starred for the Eagles with four majors and 2015 Big V Ireland Tour representative, Ash Viney, was their best.