Bombers, Saints prevail in Div 1 top four blockbusters

Brunswick NOBSPC held off a rampaging St John’s and Aaron Thornton combination for an 11-point victory at Alec Gillon Oval. Leading by 30 points at the last break, the NOBS allowed five goals to two as Thornton put through his eighth for the day. Chris Horsley was outstanding for NOBS, booting four goals in a BOG display, while Geremie Ganino (2) impressed for the second game in a row. Glenn Costas led the final term charge for the JOCs alongside Thornton, but they now slump to their seventh loss of the year while the NOBS claimed their third win.

PEGS proved too strong for Ormond in what could be a finals pre-cursor, running out nine-point winners at EE Gunn Reserve. The Bombers shot out to a 28-point lead at half time, but allowed six goals in the final two terms while kicking two goals in each quarter themselves. Tylar Vujanic was the best of the Bombers, while Adrian Romanyk kicked three and took his season tally to 30 from nine games. Simon Keleher continued his strong form with a standout display for the Monders as they fall from third to fourth on the ladder.

Therry Penola claimed their third win for the season with an 11-point victory over Ivanhoe at John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve. Five goals from Corey Bannister led the charge for the Lions, who piled on 14 goals to 11 at a tight first term. Jarrod Egglestone chipped in with two in a BOG performance for the Lions, while Nicholas Thornely and Liam Jacob impressed for the Hoes. The Lions sit sixth on the ladder and two spots above the Hoes in eighth after they fell a position following NOBS’ win.

Oakleigh withstood a first-term barrage from Whitefriars and eventually ran out 36-point winners at Scammell Reserve. Trailing 23-40 at the quarter time break, the Krushers went to work with 12 of the last 17 goals; including, 10 goals to two across Q2 and Q3. Trevor Bromley, Patrick Ioannidis and Tim Scott each kicked three goals for the fifth-placed Krushers, while Aaron Cloke chipped in with two. Mark Richards was a standout for the Friars as they search for their second win of the year while sitting at the bottom of the ladder.

St Mary’s Salesian leapt back into the top two with a comprehensive 46-point victory over fellow top four aspirant Preston Bullants at Ruthven Reserve. The Saints jumped to a 15-point lead at the first break and then piled on nine of the next 10 goals, before a mini-resurgence in the fourth gave the Bullants an improved score line. In just his second game since earning a call-up from the reserves, Daniel Ryan kicked five goals for the Saints to go with his seven from Round 8. Tim Dudgeon was named best afield for the winning side, while both Dean and Sean Calcedo fought hard for the Bullants. The win elevates the Saints back into second spot on the ladder, while the Bullants fall to third.