Curry clutch in Rovers thriller, Wellers return with a bang

Old Ivanhoe secured their third win for the year, defeating Kew by 76 points at Chelsworth Park. In stark comparison to the one-point thriller played out between the two sides at the same venue last year, the Hoers led from start to finish and piled on nine goals to two in the opening half. The Bears showed some resistance in the last quarter but the Hoers maintained their aggression with Carl Groth starring and kicking four goals. Arthur Solomidis (three) dominated in a best-on-ground display for the Hoers, while Bears forward Andrew Brazzale kicked three of his side’s five goals.

A Shem Curry goal in the last minute of the game gave Hampton Rovers a thrilling one-point victory over Old Geelong at Boss James Reserves. Matthew Rieniets (three) top-scored with his trio of majors for the home side, while Curry and Zach Donald were named best. Colby O’Brien (one) fought hard for the Ogs, who fall from sixth to ninth following the loss. The Rovers climbed to seventh on the back of their third win.

The high-scoring capabilities of Caulfield Grammarians was on show again this weekend as they defeated Old Mentonians by 35 points at Keysborough Playing Fields. It was the Fields’ fifth win from six outings and the fifth time they scored at least 124 points (126). Defence was on the backburner for both sides in the first half as 25 goals were kicked between them, with the Fields leading 90-77. Offence slowed down in the second half but the damage had been done with Rising Star nominee Nick Baltas kicking his second straight bag of five for the Fields. Jack Davis nailed four and took his season’s tally to 21 for the Panthers, who have now lost three in a row and sit fifth, three spots below the Fields.

Old Haileybury met Marcellin in a top four blockbuster at Princes Park Caulfield and edged past the Eagles by 16 points. Leading by just three points at the half, the Bloods kicked four goals to two in the third term which proved the difference as both managed another four each in the fourth. James Paul starred in his strongest outing for the year, while Nathan Waite continued his red-hot form in front of goal with another four for the Bloods. Jono Blanch cannot be stopped for the Eagles as he produced another standout display and Andrew Kay snagged four of his own.

Old Camberwell put last week’s hiding at the hands of Old Haileybury behind them, regrouped and defeated Williamstown CYMS by 11 points at Gordon Barnard Reserve. Eight goals to two in the opening term meant the CYs were always playing catch-up, with Nicholas Adamson starring for the Wellers with six goals. Ben Hart was awarded BOG honours, while Ben Gray continued his fine form as the best of the fourth-placed CYs. The Wellers rise above the Ogs to eighth.