Bullants bite back, Saints battle it out with JOCs

A seven-goal haul from Daniel Ryan helped St Mary’s Salesian to an extremely hard-fought 20-point victory over St John’s at Ferndale Park. The Saints trailed the JOCs by one point going into the final term but kicked four goals to one as they secured their eighth win of the year. Since debuting at senior level in Round 7, Ryan has kicked 19 goals; including, two bags of seven. Jos op’t Hoog snagged a goal in a best-on-ground display, while Manny Dolan kicked four. Tim Edwards was a force up forward for the JOCs with seven goals and Nathan McConchie was their best in one of their most impressive performances this year.

Ivanhoe secured their third win for the year and jumped two places to sixth spot on the ladder, defeating Whitefriars by 40 points at Ivanhoe Park. Trailing by one point at the main break, the Hoers kicked 12 goals to six in a dominant second half, with Samuel Wright, Lachlan Roberts and Nathan Valkanis kicking four each. Hewitt Murray starred for the Friars with four goals in a BOG display for his side, while Michael Nitas chipped in with three.

PEGS strengthened their position atop the Division 1 ladder after they defeated Brunswick NOBSPC by 72 points at PEGS Sporting Fields. Trent Skurrie and Adrian Romanyk put on a clinic up forward for the Bombers, kicking six goals each and 12 of their side’s 20. Scott Whillas starred in a BOG display, while Lain Genovesi gave him ample support. Chris Ford stood tall for the NOBS with five goals and was clearly their best as they fall one spot to eighth on the ladder.

Preston Bullants returned to the winners’ list with an important 24-point victory over Oakleigh. The Bullants led from start to finish as reed Jepson and Damon Marcon dominated from the outset. Sean Calcedo and Joseph Hill kicked three goals each for the Bullants, while Aaron Cloke (5) and Trevor Bromley (3) nailed eight between them for the fifth-placed Krushers. The win secured third spot for the Bullants, with Ormond one game behind and hot their tail.

Ormond proved far too strong for Therry Penola at EE Gunn Reserve, running out 63-point winners. Luke Duthie (6) and Jeremy Simon (4) kicked 10 goals between them for the Monders, while Matthew Hine was named best afield for the second time in three games. Brock and Jarrod Egglestone stood out as the Lions’ best players, as they sit seventh with three wins.