Bombers, Saints undefeated as Division 1 heats up

PEGS sit second on the ladder and remain as just one of two undefeated sides three rounds into the season after they defeated Brunswick NOBSPC by 17 points at Alec Gillon Oval. The Bombers had three less scoring shots than NOBS (21-24) but accuracy played a major role, with NOBS kicking twice as many behinds as goals. Scott Whillas, Trent Skurrie (three) and Hugh Schiavello (three) all made an impact for the Bombers, while Dean Beaumont and Lachlan Ezard (one) performed admirably for the seventh-placed NOBS.

Oakleigh came from 10 points down at the last break and overran Ivanhoe by 15 in a shootout at Ivanhoe Park. The Krushers trailed by as much as 22 points at the half before piling on 12 goals to six in the final two terms. Aaron Cloke and Tim Scott combined for 10 of the Krushers’ goals with five each, while the Blackmoore-Moores, Reuben and Keke, kicked four and three respectively for the Hoers.

St John’s registered their first victory for the season with a 24-point win over Therry Penola at Thomas Carroll Reserve. Trailing by three points at the main break, the JOCs kicked nine of the next 14 goals, including five in the final term. Mathew Collett doubled his season tally with five goals for the JOCs and Dylan Webb starred in a best-on-ground performance. Darcy Ryan kicked two and was named best for the Lions in their second loss for the year.

Preston Bullants returned to form after last week’s loss to Oakleigh, defeating Whitefriars by 40 points at Ruthven Reserve. The Bullants took a 12-point lead into the first break and kept the Friars at an arm’s length despite kicking an inaccurate 13.23. George Warton (one) was best for the second straight match for the Bullants and Lachlan McRedmond peppered the scoreboard with four majors. Daniel Massarotti (two) played his best game for the year to date for the Friars, who are still searching for their first win of the year.

St Mary’s Salesian came out on top in the Division 1 Match of the Round, running out 10-point winners against Ormond at Ferndale Park. The Saints took a 16-point lead into the half before the Monders hit back with seven goals in the third term and to within two points. However, the Saints were able to hold off the in-form Monders with Manny Dolan and James Canterbury kicking four apiece. Nathan Evans was best afield for the Saints, while no information was provided for Ormond.