Top 6 already firming in Division 4

By Gav Southern – @gavsouthern

After 5 rounds, do we know the top six already? Westbourne are still undefeated, Eley Park are back on track, Manningham served up another belter after an early scare and Mt. Lilydale are the real deal. Box Hill North are struggling, Masala are continuing to improve and the Synners simply don’t have the cattle. To last week’s games:

Masala def by Manningham 

Manningham Cobras ventured out to Dandenong North to battle Masala Tigers. Both clubs had come off victories to Chadstone and were keen to continue the form. Masala certainly came out strong with a wind-assisted 6 goals to 2 first quarter and the Cobras on the back foot. Second quarter saw the Cobras bounce back and regain the lead 54-47 at the half. Come the third quarter, the Cobras put extras in defence to battle the wind which their run converted into score. Come the final siren, Manningham knew they’d survived a mini scare and Masala took yet another step forward. For the Tigers, Sam Beckers led the scoring with 3 whilst, Scott Beckers was solid in defence. Josh Kyle was impressive in his 1st game back, as was Jesse Yarde. For the victors, Chris Jolly (5) and Ryan Daley (4) again proved too tall and agile whilst, Nick Edwards was BOG in his best game for the year.

Chadstone def by Eley Park

Ladies Day at Chadstone hosting Eley Park was all set to be a great day. With late withdrawals, the Synners knew it would be a long day when they had to call on some reserves to double-up. When the game started it was pretty scrappy early on but, really opened up when some of the Synner players tired. An 18 goal last quarter by Eley Park, has now put them in form and aiming to climb to that 2nd spot on the ladder. For the Sharks there were positives everywhere but, Noel “Burner” Bahnsen got through his first game of the year and bagged 7. Most of them in the 18 goal last quarter. Mat Corstorphin (3 goals) was BOG and coming into some great form. Young fella Josh Balon stepping up in the midfield. Al Renshaw dominated in the ruck and gave the Sharks great avenue into the forward line. For Chadstone, Ian “Dennis” Bingham, Brent “Freo” Freeman, “Grug” Farrugia and Mick Millar were all single goal-scorers.

Mt. Lilydale def Box Hill North

Ladies day at Quarry Rd was of a similar nature but, this time, it was the Rams at home who prevailed. An eight goal to 2 points first quarter real told the tale and Box Hill North were unable to get going. Bocky Captain was well held going goal-less for the first time since June last year against Parkside but, that freed up Leon Desmond with 2 goals. Dean Templeton and Steve Lester willed their way through the game for Bocky but, today simply wasn’t their day. For Mt. Lilydale, Max Hampton had a day out hitting his highest goal tally for the year and Ryan Gromadovski kicked 3. BOG was Tyson Spencer.

Westbourne def North Brunswick

Our match of the round saw North Brunswick travel to Westbourne. The Bulls put the pressure on early but, both sides were struggling with forward entries as the Warriors kicked the first goal of the match 9 minutes into the first quarter. After the Bulls kicked one back, the Warriors finished off the first with a 3 goal flurry for a 19pt quarter time lead. By the second quarter, the Warriors increased the buffer to 33 points and that margin fluctuated between 31 and 43 points before the Bulls scored the last 2 goals and dropped it back to the buffer of 33 points. Again, the focus was on Dale Collins (3 goals) and again up pops different goal-kickers in Justin Johns (5) and the return of Ali Eqbal (4). For North Brunswick, Tommy Falconer opened up his scoring account for the year with 4 bags and Pete Butler had 3. Best on ground was Westbourne’s Tim Rogers. 

PREVIEW

Round 6 this week, and after these games, we’ll be a third of the way through the year. I finally hit 4/4 and I’m looking for a repeat performance. With the top 6 shaping, all games from here on in, are super important. To the games:

Masala (7th) as I said, are on the improve and they will take further steps forward hosting 3rd place Eley Park. This will be a one-sided affair for the Sharks but, not a trouncing. Eley Park.

Point Cook (2nd) have rested up and head down to Allard Park this week to take on North Brunswick (6th). This is probably the most important game for the Bulls to stay in touch with the sides above them but, I believe they’ll just fall short. Doggies. 

I could say this is the match of the round but, it’s for the wrong reasons. Box Hill North (8th) are really struggling this year and this week is a perfect week to gain confidence to score their first win for the year as they travel to Jordan Reserve to take on Chadstone (9th) who are struggling for numbers. The Synners are some chance but, too many ducks need to be aligned. BHN  

The rightful earner for match of the round belongs to Mt. Lilydale (4th) again hopping over the Westgate for the last time (before finals) to take on ladder leaders, Westbourne. The Rams are also another team who are capable but, will fall short. Westbourne. 

Manningham Cobras (5th), take a well-earned break with the bye and another week to prepare for the dangerous Eley Park Sharks.

Round 6 Tips

Masala Vs. Eley Park

North Brunswick Vs. Point Cook

Chadstone Vs. Box Hill North

Westbourne Vs Mt. Lilydale