Masala & Bulls…almost

By Gav Southern – @gavsouthern

Four out of four tipping this week but no-one would have predicted the incredible margins in three of the them. Masala and North Brunswick certainly took it up to their opposition but fell short. Chadstone finished their disappointing season with another three-figure defeat and Manningham got exposed. To last week’s games:

Masala Def By Point Cook  

Masala hosting Point Cook saw the Tigers kick the match off with a bang, leading by two goals at the end of the first quarter. Coming out strong, as Point Cook does, it was a nine goal to five second quarter which had the Tigers 26 points down going in to half time. After a big rev up during the break, the Tigers came out strong and won the third quarter by a goal and were trailing by 12 points at three quarter time. To the credit of the Doggies, they came out and kicked seven goals to three in the final and ran out winners by seven goals. Tigers Captain, Ben Nugent kicked 3 goals, Josh Kyle returning after a hamstring strain, booted 2 goals. For the Doggies. William Dawson kicked 7 for the 2nd week in a row and Backman, Mason Kip (1) was judged best afield. Point Cook only made 2 changes from last week, expect more for next week against the Bulls.

North Brunswick Def By Eley Park

Another match that almost caused an upset, was that of a valiant North Brunswick hosting Eley Park. Mathematically, this was the Bulls last hurrah and they certainly gave it their all. Hitting the early lead after the 1st quarter, the wind was a factor as the Sharks hit back with a 6-3 2nd quarter that saw them claim a 4pt lead into the long break. The wind assisted the Bulls to bounce back in a scrappy third quarter but, come the 4th, the Sharks simply had too much class and strength, running out 14 pt victors. William Croagh was the Bulls best and seems to enjoy playing the Sharks, making it in the “bests” only when he plays them. Pat Notaro (4 goals) and Pete Butler (3) AGAIN caused headaches for the backline. For the Sharks, Dave Viola had 4, Brent Christie and Andrew Zaicos each had 3 whilst, Alistair Renshaw had his best game for the year, earning BOG honours

Box Hill North Def Chadstone

Chaddy’s last game for the year, saw them venture 15 minutes down Elgar Rd, to take on Box Hill North. After claiming the lead for the first 8 minutes after some horror kicking from Bocky, the Synners then just stopped or the Demons put their pedal to the metal. The Demons theme was run and share and that’s exactly what all 22 who took the field did. Standout performance to young Jordan Gasparrini who chimed in with 4 great goals from outside the arc.  We always knew you could do it. BOG, Captain Dan Penny led from the front and kicked 14 goals. Rhys Mehlstaubler impressed with his hard run and carry of half back. For Chaddy, Daniel “Daffy” Cumming was their best, taking hangers all around the ground and 2016 B&F, David “Doug” Fernandez also never stopped trying.

Westbourne Def Manningham

If any statement was made over the weekend, it was Westbourne in their last home game for the year Vs. Manningham. Holding the Cobras to no goals for three quarters is almost unheard of but, the Warriors were commanding and unwavered all game. With no Collins or Iqbal to speak of, that did not matter as Justin Johns (6 goals), BOG Nicholas Schiano (6) and Charles Hunter (5) certainly picked up the slack. Manningham didn’t seem to have any answers in a disappointing effort against the league leaders. Only Ben Russian and Matt Colvin were able to put it between the big sticks. The Warriors are still undefeated and are just one win away to complete a stellar year so far.

PREVIEW

LAST ROUND and there’s a lot to like, looking at what’s to come. The top 4 are set and so are their positions but, there some interesting match-ups. To this week’s games:

Manningham (6th) need to forget last week and have an opportunity to finish the season on a high as they host Masala (8th). Masala were fantastic last week and have the Cobras in their sights. Masala. Just.

My Match of the Round this week is definitely the potential finals preview match between Mt. Lilydale (4th) and Westbourne (1st). Ladder positions won’t change but, a strong Rams performance will mean the world. But, it will be a Westbourne win.

Point Cook (2nd) survived a scare and may appear to be vulnerable. That’s what North Brunswick (5th) are hoping for anyway. Point Cook at home.

Lastly, Eley Park (3rd) host Box Hill North (7th). The Demons would be happy with last week’s performance but, this day will belong to the Sharks.

Chadstone (9th) finished their season last week and have the bye.

TIPS

Manningham Vs. Masala

Mt. Lilydale Vs. Westbourne

Point Cook Vs. North Brunswick

Eley Park Vs. Box Hill North