Maestro nails nine, Panthers cap off dream day

A nine-goal haul from Alex Mastromanno guided Old Brighton to their fifth consecutive win, defeating Parkdale Vultures by 81 points at Brighton Beach Oval. Leading by 24 points at the main break, the Tonners were cold blooded in the second half as they piled on 14 of the next 19 goals against a Vultures outfit coming off their first win of the year. The Maestro, who leads the Premier B goal kicking on 24, was ably assisted by Michael Karayannis (three) who took his own tally to 12. Co-captain Dylan Verney starred for the top-of-the-table Tonners while Ryan O’Leary (four) and Matt Boland (three) combined for 70% of the Vultures’ goals.

Fitzroy overpowered the in-form Ajax in an arm wrestle at Brunswick Street Oval as they ran out 18-point winners. After jumping to a 19-point first term lead, the Roys allowed the Jackas to even things up at 41-apiece at the half time break. The Jackas continued their run into the third and led by five points before the Roys came storming home on the back of a best-on-ground performance from young gun Aidan Lambert (two). Nathan Ligris (one) was a key contributor for the Roys across the four quarters, while Jake Lew top-scored with four goals for the Jackas. The win takes the Roys to fourth spot and gives them a four-point buffer over the Jackas who fall to fifth.

Old Carey gave stalwart Ben Smithwick a 150^th game to remember by recording their first victory for the season with a 38-point win over Peninsula at Carey Sports Complex. After falling to an eight-point deficit at the main break, the Panthers fought back with 11 of the last 15 goals. Smithwick was named best afield in his milestone match and Jarrod Reid returned for his first senior game in 18 months after tearing his ACL and booted three goals to compound the elation surrounding the side’s first win. William Harbinson (two), Sam Harrison (two) and Tom Feldgen (two) each shared the goals for the winless Pirates and were all named in the best. The Panthers worked their way to eighth on the ladder following the win.

Old Scotch remains hot on the heels of the Tonners after they recorded their fifth consecutive win to start the year against Mazenod at Central Reserve. After a tight first term (11-12), the Cardinals worked away and increased their lead at every break before running out 45-point winners. Harry Larwill and Aiden Franetic botted three goals each and James Sansom starred alongside Jack Bull for the Cardinals. It was the Nodder’s first loss in three rounds but they were led admirably by Simon Hall and Tom McKenna (one). The Cardinals move to second following the Snow Dogs’ loss and the Nodders sit seventh.

Monash Blues caused the upset of the round by taking of the previously undefeated St Bernard’s to the tune of 10 points at the Snakepit. Leading by four points at half time, the Blues piled on six goals to four in the third term and maintained the lead for the remainder of the match. Taylor Cameron was named best afield for the Blues and Nick Petering did the bulk of the damage in front of goal with four. Tom Caven led admirably in 200^th game for the Snow Dogs and Edyn Sibbald kicked three as they now fall to third.