Battle of the Bullants

By Jarryd McGunae – @JMcGuane

Round 10 saw St Johns remain undefeated barely, as MHSOB jumped into the top four and Preston won the battle of the Bullants.

In the highest scoring match of the round, MHSOB held on to defeat Emmaus St Leos by five points at Bennettswood Sports Ground. Coming off the bye, MHSOB looked refreshed as the strength of a four goal to one first quarter gave them an 18-point lead at the first break. But this awoke the Animals as they would put on a seven goal to three quarter to take a three-point lead into the major break. The game opened up in the second half as both sides combined 10 goals in the third quarter as the Unicorns would open up an eight-point lead at three quarter time. The attacking power continued in the final quarter as Emmaus St Leos would win the final quarter with six goals to MSHOB five, but it was not enough for the Animals. Rex Gavan was best on ground for the Unicorns as Kane Smith and Dylan Hamilton-Ho added three goals each. Jonathan O’Connor was the Animals best, with Christopher Beluszar the major goal kicker with four goals.

At Thomas Carroll Reserve, Yarra Valley OB would come the closest this season to ending St Johns OC undefeated streak but would fall four points short. It didn’t look likely from the start as St Johns OC held Yarra Valley OB to two behinds as 2.5 from the JOC’s would give them a 15-point quarter time lead. The Bushrangers would reduce the margin to 10 points at the major break as inaccuracy in the first half for St Johns the only thing keeping the margin down. This would continue in the third for St Johns but this time adding 4.5 to the Bushrangers 2.1 to push the margin out to a secure looking 24 points at the final change. Two goals straight for the JOCs would turn out to be enough despite a dangerous five goal quarter for Yarra Valley. Aaron Thornton, Matthew Nicholson and Daniel Abou-Karroum kicked two each for St Johns with Guy Choul being best afield. James Fleming was the Bushrangers best, with three goals apiece for Jack Hall and Ross Little.

In the second battle of the Bullants for the season would again see Preston Bullants defeat Bulleen/Templestowe, this time by 63 points at Ted Ajani Reserve. Preston would jump out to a strong 24-point lead on the back of five goals to one, as neither side would kick a minor score in the first quarter. Six goals more for Preston in the second to two from Bulleen/Templestowe pushed the margin out to an even 50 at half time. Bulleen/Templestowe would continue to fight as they won the third quarter but could only reduce the margin to 48 points despite four goals to three in their favour. With the game as good as done in the last quarter, Preston would regain dominance to run out with the 63-point victory. Liam Carter and Damon Marcon combined for 10 goals for Preston and with Carter being their best afield. Billy Wilson was Bulleen/Templestowe’s best as Oran Aziz kicked three.

At Ransford Oval, Eltham Collegians couldn’t continue their winning ways as West Brunswick kept touch with St Johns at the top of the table, defeating the Turtles by 56 points. The Magpies would start strongest with 5.4 to the Turtles 1.3 to lead by 25 points at quarter time. The spoils would be shared in the second quarter as each side kicked goals with Eltham Collegians reducing the margin to 24 points at half time. Another fairly even quarter in the third would keep the Turtles within distance of an unlikely comeback as they margin was only increased by West Brunswick to 32 points. Eltham Collegians would get no closer as the Magpies put on six goals to three in the last to secure the victory. Joel Beer was West Brunswick’s best on ground, with Luke Buckler the major goal kicker with four goals. Ben Gill continued his amazing form with another three goals with Matthew Olaris the Turtles best.

Round 11 sees Eltham Collegians return home to Eltham College to face the out of form Emmaus St Leos in the most intriguing of the non-top four matchups. It could get Eltham Collegians a bye away from getting out of the bottom two, where Emmaus St Leos trying to keep their slim finals hopes alive. Newly in the top four MHSOB return to Melbourne High School to face Richmond Central, who return from the bye chasing their first win of 2016. West Brunswick remain at Ransford Oval for another round as they face Yarra Valley OB with plenty at stake for both sides. Yarra Valley OB need to stay in touch with the top four, and West Brunswick want to jump into second place on the ladder. Meanwhile, second placed Preston Bullants return to W R Ruthven Reserve to take their second chance to end St Johns OC undefeated season. Bulleen/Templestowe have the bye and move out of touch of Eltham Collegians with the points acquired.

TIPS

Eltham Collegians vs Emmaus St Leos

MHSOB vs Richmond Central

West Brunswick vs Yarra Valley OB

Preston Bullants vs St Johns OC

Bulleen/Templestowe has the bye