Warriors, Vultures, House earn honours in Division 3 rivalries

An eight-goal final term gave UHS-VU an impressive 36-point victory over rival La Trobe University at Brens Oval. With just three points separating the two sides at the last break, the Vultures, led by Mitchell Sweeney (five) and Nicholas Ingleton (two & BOG), proved too strong when it mattered most. Bryce Dowler was named best for the Trobers who now fall to fourth and two spots below the Vultures.

Canterbury officially established themselves as the team to beat early in the Division 3 season via a comprehensive 134-point win over South Melbourne Districts. 15 goals in the opening half set the scene for a dominant afternoon and the Cobras did not relent as they followed up with another 14 in the second half while the Swans could manage just seven for the match. The Cobras recorded 12 individual goal kickers with Thomas Lowden (four), Andrew Hummerston (four & BOG) and Luke Venditti (four) the main recipients in front of goal. The Swans have faced a baptism of fire two rounds into the season and hold a lowly percentage of just 26.78.

Power House maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a comprehensive 69-point victory over Albert Park at Ross Gregory Oval. Despite missing star recruit Sam Confait, the House took an unassailable lead in the second, increasing the margin from four to 27 at the main break. Nick Nagel monstered the Falcons defenders on his way to eight goals and River Carroll (one) was best afield. Adrian Snowden fought valiantly with four goals for the Falcons alongside a President’s performance from Tyson Cattle.

Westbourne Grammarians registered their first victory for the 2017 season, defeating rivals Point Cook by 84 points in their grand final rematch at Saltwater Reserve. Nicholas Schiano, who bagged 32 goals in eight games last season, was unstoppable with nine majors in a match-winning performance for the Warriors. Justin Johns starred from start to finish, while Andrew Auciello and Shane Sinclair were the best Bulldogs.

Not even a 10-goal haul from Jake Munro could drag his side over the line as Richmond Central slumped to a 46-point loss against Swinburne University at St James Park. Leading by 11 points at the half, the Razorbacks nailed eight goals to three in the third term to put the result beyond doubt. They had 12 individual goal kickers, including four from Jackson Manning, and a standout performance from former De La Sallean Daniel Close gave him best on ground honours. It’s the second loss in as many games for the Snakes who will look to hit back against Point Cook next week.