Bushrangers outgun Animals, Turtles shellshock Unicorns

Yarra Valley went two games clear in fourth position on the Division 2 ladder when they defeated Emmaus St Leo’s by 32 points at Doncaster Reserve. Trailing by six points at half time, the Bushrangers piled on 11 goals to five in the second half with Jordan Canham and Christopher Hodgens the main recipients up forward. Rory Chipman was named best afield for the Bushrangers, while Paul Baranello registered three majors in the second consecutive standout performance for the Animals. The Animals are now seventh and only outside the relegation zone with a higher percentage than the Turtles.

Eltham Collegians’ bid to avoid relegation proved successful as they snapped a two-game losing streak and registered their fourth win for the year with a 30-point victory against MHSOB at Eltham College. Division 2 leading goal kicker, Ben Gill, starred yet again with four majors for the Turtles, while Tom Wenborn dominated in a best-on-ground performance. Nick Hawking made it three goals for the second week in a row for the Unicorns, who are now two wins outside the four.

West Brunswick came from 14 points down at the last break and ran over Bulleen Templestowe to the tune of seven points at Ted Ajani Reserve. Bill Irving, Matt Holmes, Zac Tisdale and Benjamin Kline each kicked multiples for the Westies, while Rob Edsall and Stellan Avramidis were outstanding for the Bullants. The Westies remain a game clear in second, four spots ahead of the Bullants.

Preston Bullants put a goalless first term behind them as they ran out 33-point winners against Richmond Central at Ruthven Reserve. Liam Carter (four) and Lachlan Holmes (three) combined for more than half of the Bullants’ goals, while Beau McGoldrick and Patrick Boyle fought hard all day for the Snakes. The third-placed Bullants are still a game behind the Westies, while the Snakes continue their search for win number one.