Nodders’ run ends in Round of upsets

By Christian Burgess – Premier C Scribe

Caulfield Grammarians are the first team to beat Mazenod in 2016, during their tight encounter in Round 12. Both sides were gallant in their first quarter efforts and were 3.1 a piece. Mazenod got the jump in the second quarter kicking five goals and stretched their lead to 20 points. A slow third term saw only 3 goals kicked for and with the scoring beginning to slow, it looked as though Mazenod may have done enough to secure their 12th straight victory. But, Caulfield fought back from a 2 goal deficit at three quarter time, kicking five goals in the last quarter and restricting Mazenod to just the one. Caulfield finished 9 points in front, which was undoubtedly their best win for the season. William Barker was best on ground for a second consecutive week and has kicked five goals in his last two games combined. Tim Nixon was superb… again, finding himself in Caulfield’s best for the seventh time of his 11 games. Kieren Mckeogh kicked his best score for the season with a handful of goals bringing his seasons tally to 27.

Ormond may have won the biggest upset for the season, when they beat Old Ivanhoe at Chelsworth Park. It was a close encounter all day up until three quarter time. The biggest margin between the two at any break was seven points at half time before Ormond’s dominance began in the final quarter. Ormond ran riot in the last quarter with 13 scoring shots kicking well clear of Old Ivanhoe. When the game was on the line to be won, Ormond really stood up with the likes of Luke Gogis, James Landman and Dimitri Fasouli playing pivotal roles in the last quarter. Old Ivanhoe really look to be missing star midfielder Carl Groth particularly in the tight contests, when he is often relied upon to make an impact. Ormond had 11 individual goal scorers on the day continually sharing the load each week, Robert Chisholm being the most dangerous in front of goal with 27 majors.

It was a high scoring affair between Williamstown CYMS and Peninsula at Fearon Reserve. Both sides started the game in superb form, making for an entertaining first quarter with ten goals scored. Both sides entered the first break even on 32 points. The second quarter was owned by the Pirates. Despite a small margin at half time of 11 points, the Pirates had six more scoring shots just failing to convert as well as they would have liked. The Pirates slowly extended their lead from 11 at half time, to 20 at three quarter time, before finishing 29 points ahead at the final sire. The score line could have been far more drastic for the Wellers had the Pirates kicked accurately finishing with 16 goals and 16 behinds. A spectacular individual performance saw  Stefan Barbour kick a seven goal haul. Shaun Payze and Brett Macaulay chipped in with two each alongside Barbour, while Nick Blackney and Aiden Quinn nailed three each for the CYs. The Cy’s missed a must win game as Old Ivanhoe lost, giving the Cy’s a chance to jump into the top four.

Marcellin made a statement when they minimised their chances of being relegated by thumping Old Camberwell by more than 100 points. Reece McKenzie retuned to the club to play alongside his brother Rowan after retiring from the Richmond Football Club. His inclusion at this time of the year could be just what Marcellin needed to help escape relegation. Marcellin put their foot down in the first quarter kicking out to a five goal lead. Unfortunately for the Weller, 30 points would be the closest they would get to Marcellin as the game was well and truly won by half time. Jeremiah Anytpas continued his hot form and becomes a regular in the Premier C articles particularly after kicking eight of Marcellin’s 23 goals. Rowan Mckenzie has been in his side’s best the last four weeks and looks to continue his purple patch as Marcellin now move to eighth, one game behind Oakleigh.

Oakleigh’s upset against Kew sees them extend themselves from the pack who are up for relegation and only one game behind the Bears who sit in sixth spot. Kew, who have now lost two games on the trot, are now two games out of the top 4 with only six games remaining before the finals begin. Aaron Cloke monstered his opponents, marking everything that came his way and converted well, finishing with seven goals. Zac Mousoulis and Tim Doherty combined for six goals whilst Bennett, Scott and Pinney managed singles. The Krushers led all game but it was their six goal third term and Kew’s inaccurate quarter that allowed them to run away with a comfortable lead. Oakleigh finished eight goals clear of the Bears and play the Wellers who are bottom of the ladder this Saturday. Kew had two representatives in the U19 match against Vic Country in Ben Hurley and Sam Glover. Hurley was prominent the week earlier against the Krushers kicking three majors for the Bears.

Tips:

Williamstown CYMS v Old Ivanhoe

Caulfield v Ormond

Peninsula v Marcellin

Kew v Mazenod

Oakleigh v Old Camberwell