Wickers off the mark, Rams edge over Tigers

Elsternwick claimed their first win of the year in Division 4 with a 43-point victory over Eley Park Sharks. An eight-goal opening term put the Wickers in a winning position and they didn’t let up as Justin Hunter dominated with six goals. Andrew Oldfield continued his strong form for the Wickers, while Matt Dyson performed admirably for the fifth-placed Sharks.

Four unanswered goals in the third term led North Brunswick to a strong 25-point victory over Manningham Cobras in the Division 4 match of the round. With five points separating the two sides at the main break, the Bulls hit the accelerator with Matthew Dal Santo and Ashley Rae (one) leading the charge. Adam Baltruweit (one) was named the Cobras best as they lost their first match of the season.

Mt Lilydale were made to work for the four points in their clash with Masala, winning by 10 points at the College. Adam Thorne kicked three and was named best on ground for the rams, while Lachlan McLellan (two) and Stephen Donald (two) each bothered the scorers. No results were available for Masala, who sit ninth and five spots below the Rams.

Parkside put an end to St Francis Xavier’s winning ways with a 24-point victory on the X-Men’s home soil. Leading by 10 points at the half, the Red Devils kicked four of the last six with Sam Newman-Rogers (four) the main recipient in front of goal. Connor Spalding was named best for the X-Men, who now sit eighth after the Wickers’ jump up following their win.