Winds told the story in Divion 4

By Gav Southern – @gavsouthern

Warm and windy conditions last Saturday for round 4’s games proved to be difficult for most sides with inaccurate kicking all through the Division. With the winning sides scoring a combined shooting score of 77 goals – 76 points, it certainly tells a story. Bocky tried hard all day and restricted Westbourne to their lowest winning margin (45 pts) for the year. Eley Park are feeling a bit of deja vu after being hit with injuries, whilst North Bunny are making people take notice. Point Cook were let off the hook and the Cobras served up a 100pt 3rd quarter. To last week’s games:

Box Hill North def by Westbourne 

Bocky at home knew they were up against it taking on league leaders in Westbourne. Despite some key Demon players unavailable, they still had plenty of the ball throughout the day but unforced turnovers proved costly against the well drilled Warriors. After Westbourne hit their 3rd goal with around 5 mins to go in the first, the Warriors were unable to extend the margin any more than 12-20pts for a good 35 minutes. Midway through the 3rd, the Warriors then built on the lead and stretched it out to 50. BHN got a run-on with 3 late goals but by then, the game was over. For BHN, “Fingers” and “Deano” Templeton, were always battling and made good use of the footy.  Solid efforts from Damo Earp who chipped in around the midfield and first Senior gamer, Jason Lang. A great thumping 60m kick by big Ayden Walker with the wind behind his back saw him with goal of the day honours. For the Warriors, 8 goal-kickers lead by Collins and Charles Hunter (3 each) and Adam Imber backed up his impressive “Westbourne TV” interview with BOG honours.

Manningham def Chadstone

After their loss to Masala last week, Chadstone made six big changes, heading in for their first away game at Manningham. Kicking into the wind in the first quarter wasn’t ideal for their confidence early, as forward entries were extremely scarce. The Cobras won majority of the tap outs and clearances all day as Chaddy were again reliant on to few. Chaddy chose experience in the defence which meant giving up height and in the long run, it hurt them. For the Synners, new recruit Dave Fernandez, was a stand-out and 4 of their 5 goal-kickers, (led by Jake “Grug” Farrugia 2) played their first game for the year. For the victorious Cobras, there were too many options. Newly employed Chris Jolly, seemed unstoppable with 12 goals 9 sprays. Cobras Ryan Daley (7 goals), Scott McPherson (4), Senior Coach Tom Bell (2) and 8 solitary Cobra goalkickers. One of which was 150 gamer, Camron “Terps” Terpsinis.

Point Cook def Mt. Lilydale 

My match of the round was Mt Lilydale heading out to Saltwater Reserve and the Point Cook Bulldogs. The Rams squandered opportunities in the 1st and that kept Point Cook in the game. Going 2.9 was not good considering the play they had and a fairly strong wind. Point Cook’s slow to start in the 2nd quarter finished off with 3 late goals and put the Doggies in front at half time. 3rd qtr again had Point Cook miss opportunities into the breeze but, were able to keep Mt Lilydale to 3 goals. By the last quarter, it  was tight early but, the game opened up and Point Cook kicked away with 7 goals in the last. For the Rams, Sean Gibson (2 goals) again led the team and Adam Thorne was their best. Point Cook’s James Borg kicked 3 goals and best on ground was William Dawson with 5.

Eley Park def by North Brunswick

Eley Park hosted North Brunswick at “Shark Park”. The Sharks had 4 more changes due to players out from the previous week. A disappointing effort, by the Sharks high standards, on a windy day saw the Sharks coughing up the ball far too often to be a threat. North Brunny controlled the stoppages and seemed to score easily from Eley Park’s turnovers in the middle of the ground. David Viola (5 goals), Josh Balon, Daniel Edwards and big Tez Dingledei were the Sharks best performers. For the Bulls, Pete Butler and Ben Gallagher had 3 goals each whilst, William Croagh was clear BOG and well supported by Tom Falconer.

PREVIEW

With 3/4 tipping last week, I’m desperate to make amends. The 2nd top-of-the-table clash of the year is certainly one to watch. It’s also Mother’s Day this weekend and some clubs are hosting some ladies day functions. Happy Mother’s day to all the Mums out there and “May the Fourth be with you, always” this Wednesday. To the games:

Masala (7th) have been riding high for 2 weeks now after their history making win. Hosting a red-hot Manningham (5th) this weekend, we should see their smiles turned upside down. Manningham.

Chadstone (9th) are having a ladies day function that has been extended to Eley Park (6th) at Jordan Reserve. Although the Sharks are missing players, this game will get their season get back on track. RSVP Catherine on 0413281092 for ladies luncheon enquiries

Box Hill North (8th) play their first away game at Quarry Rd as they take on Mt. Lilydale (4th) who, are also having a ladies day event and a women’s exhibition match. The Demons are desperate for their first win of the year but, the day will belong to the Rams.

Lastly our match of the round between ladder leaders, Westbourne (1st) and the visitors, North Brunswick (2nd). Things have been going well for the Bulls so far this year but, this week’s test will be too great. Westbourne.

Point Cook (3rd) have the bye but, you can guarantee they’ll head out 5 minutes down the road and check out their next opponent, North Brunswick.

Round 5 Tips

Masala Vs. Manningham

Chadstone Vs. Eley Park

Mt. Lilydale Vs. Box Hill North

Westbourne Vs. North Brunswick