Average conditions aid tight contests in Division 2

By Jarryd McGuane – @JMcGuane

Average weather conditions for Round 14 of Division 2 saw all the matches played out in semi-tight fashion as no side won by more than 40 points.

St Johns OC overcame an average first half to defeat a gallant Eltham Collegians by 24 points at Eltham College. Eltham Collegians jumped out to a strong start getting four goals on the board and only allowed the top of the table St Johns OC one to lead by 19 points of the first change. The Turtles added another goal in the second quarter but they had awoken the JOC’s, who would reduce the margin to five points on the back of three goals. The second half showed the premiership credentials of St Johns OC as they would not allow any more Turtle goals, only allowing two behinds in each quarter. They would put four goals on the board in third to lead by 17 points at the final change and one goal in the final quarter to lead by 24 at the final siren. Josh Mourant, Kane Arnold and Matt Nicholson kicked two goals each for St Johns, with John Ayama best on ground. Evan Mcdowell battled hard for the Turtles, with Brad Galvin their only multiple goal kicker with two goals.

Richmond Central came as close to a win as they have been for weeks, as they fell to Yarra Valley OB by 40 points at Kevin Bartlett Reserve. Neither side started in a strong fashion as Richmond Central were scoreless, but Yarra Valley only added two behinds at the end of the first quarter. Yarra Valley OB were left to rue many missed opportunities in the second quarter, as their 3.5 for the quarter to 2.1 for Richmond Central to only lead by 12 points. Those missed opportunities would not hurt the Bushrangers as the Snakes only added two goals but allowed six as the game looked beyond doubt at 39 points at three quarter time. The final quarter was an even affair, as the final margin would increase by a solitary point in the last quarter. Ben Trend was again the Bushrangers best, while Chris Hodgens was dangerous up forward with three goals. Jake Munro, Daniel Cannon and Andrew Kelly combined for all six of the Snakes goals, with Dustin Roberts as their best.

At Melbourne High School, MHSOB top four chances were dealt a blow as Preston Bullants claimed a 14-point road victory. Despite with more on the line of the two sides, MHSOB allowed Preston to control to opening minutes and would trail by 10 points despite having an even amount of shots. Inaccuracy would start to blight the Unicorns, as they would trail by two points despite three more scoring shots. Preston Bullants, who still are in the hunt for second place, tightened the screws in the second half and only allowed one major for the rest of the game. The Bullants ran the lead out 18 points at three quarter time, but lost the last quarter. Despite this MHSOB still had chances and with 0.4 in the third and 1.6 in the final quarter, with the inaccuracy in the last quarter stopping any chance of a comeback. Chris Polidoras had his second best on ground performance in a row for the Bullants, with Matt Holmes, Jake Powell and Roland Buttigieg combining for six goals. Dylan Hamilton-Ho battled to get MHSOB over the line, with two goals apiece for Kane Smith and Luke Young as the only multiple goal kickers.

A dominant second quarter for Bulleen/Templestowe was the catalyst for the 26-point victory over Emmaus St Leos at Bennettswood Sports Ground. Emmaus St Leos started as though Bennettswood is theirs to protect, as they kicked three goals to two to lead by seven points at quarter time. But the Animals would drop their intensity and six goals for the Bullants would give them a 24-point half time lead. Inaccuracy would damage both sides and the margin would extend in the Bullants favour to 26 points. The game remained even in the final quarter, as Bulleen/Templestowe did not allow Emmaus St Leos back into the game. Brodie McLaughlin was dangerous for the Bullants throughout the game and Anthony Lucisano was their major goal kicker with three. Nic Robin added three for the Animals and Paul Baranello was gallant in defeat.

West Brunswick returns from the Bye in round 15 to face the in-form Bulleen/Templestowe at Ted Ajani Reserve. Yarra Valley OB return home to Doncaster Reserve hoping to extend their hold on fourth place facing Emmaus St Leos. If MHSOB still have a chance of getting back into the top four before the end of the season, they will need to travel to Eltham College to defeat Eltham Collegians who are a tough weekly matchup despite their ladder position. The final match of the round sees Richmond Central travel to W.R. Ruthven Reserve to face third placed Preston Bullants. The top of the table St Johns OC get the bye to fresh up before their finals tilt.

Tips 

Preston Bullants vs Richmond Central

Yarra Valley OB vs Emmaus St Leos

Eltham Collegians vs MHSOB

Bulleen/Templestowe vs West Brunswick

St Johns OC have the Bye