Hoers hold off Friars in thriller, Bullants claim big scalp

PEGS strengthened their hold on second spot of the ladder with a 95-point demolition of St John’s at PEGS Sporting Fields. Adrian Romanyk (eight) and Jackson Young (seven) combined for 15 of their side’s 23 goals as the Bombers piled on 36 scoring shots to the JOCs’ 16. Aaron Thornton managed three for the JOCS and Dean Cattolico maintained his fine form to start the year. The Bombers increased their percentage to 147.27 but remain a significant margin behind St Mary’s Salesian in first on 173.83%.

St Mary’s Salesian were made to work for the points over Therry Penola this weekend, coming from behind at the half time break to run away with a 59-point win at John Pascoe Reserve. Trailing by four points at the main break, the Saints kicked seven goals to one in the third term and backed it up with another five in the last. Heath Chipperfield and Charlie Angley starred for the top-of-the-table Saints while Justin Crotty goaled three times for the second week in a row for the Lions.

A five-goal haul from Trevor Bromley helped Oakleigh maintain their winning ways in Division 1, defeating Brunswick NOBSPC by 38 points at Scammell Reserve. The Krushers took a 14-point lead into the quarter-time break and rarely looked back as they made the most of their shots on goal with 19.11. Gary Bennett (two) led the way as the best Krusher on the ground, while Matthew Shannon starred with six goals for the seventh-placed NOBS. The Krushers are placed nicely in fourth spot and a game clear of the chasing pack.

Preston Bullants claimed their biggest scalp so far in 2017 as they defeated Ormond by 24 points at Ruthven Reserve. The Bullants led by just two points at the final break after going goalless in the third term, but piled on seven goals to three in a dominant final quarter. Liam Sutton starred in his first game of the season and Damon Marcon top scored with four majors.  Ethan Hanley was named the Monders best as they now fall outside the four into fifth spot. The Bullants are third with three wins from their first four outings.

Ivanhoe held off a fast-finishing Whitefriars by just one point in a thrilling affair at Whitefriars College. With both sides winless heading into the game, it lived up to all expectations as they desperately tried to claim their first scalp of the year. The Hoes led by 36 at the main break before the Friars nailed four unanswered and brought the margin to 10 points at three quarter time. Despite outscoring the Hoes with another four goals to two in the last 30 minutes, the Friars were unable to get over the line as Angus Woodward (one) and Stefan Zervides led the charge for the Hoes. Nicholas Florio was the best Friar in his first match of the year.

Feature Photo: Phil Skeggs