Saints lock top spot, Ormond Jump into second

Brin Duggan – @BrinDuggan

With one round remaining in Division 1, we have a minor premier! By way of a classy victory and other results going their way, the Saints have marched their way to two games clear in top spot. Head coach, Erwin Leyden, will be wondering if things get a little harder than this and will be looking forward to the challenge of finals. Losses to both Brunswick NOBSPC and Jocs left the door open for either side to claim the final 2018 Division 1 spot, while the battle for second at PEGS told an ominous tale.

Meanwhile, Therry put together their third consecutive victory against an embattled NOBS outfit. The first three quarters of this match made no indications as to who would take the chocolates at the end of the day. No more than seven points separated the sides at any of the breaks. That was until an inspirational three quarter time oration from Anthony Palmer led to a powerful last quarter that resulted in a 25-point victory for Therry. The huge last quarter came on the back of three goals each to Jarrod Egglestone and Matt Lyons. Lyons was also named his side’s best for the day after a brilliant all-round performance. Unfortunately for the Lions, they have left their run too late but should finish the season on a four-game win streak to lead into next year positively. On the other hand, Brunswick left themselves open to relegation, remaining just one game and percentage clear of ninth. Cam Fox was named his side’s best and Chris Ford banged through three majors.

Whitefriars very nearly orchestrated a boil-over against Oakleigh – once again playing with freedom, the Friars put together a competitive performance. Whitefriars were somewhat able to restrict the potent Krushers but were not able to pull off the upset as they eventually  fell by 13-points. The in-form Hewitt Murray booted five snags and was a key contributor all day but just could not drag his side over the line. Tobias Deylen was named BOG for Whitefriars. Oakleigh snuck out of jail in this one and will be breathing a sigh of relief. Timothy Michael was named their best but Aaron Cloke booted five important goals and remains his side’s most important player. The victory ensured they maintain the final spot in finals for another week.

Preston came from behind to snatch victory from the Jocs and remain in touch with Oakleigh. A dreadful first half had the Bullants trailing by two goals going into the main break. The Jocs could have sewn this one up but only managed to convert three of their 11 shots on goal. As it went, though, Preston outscored them 60-23 in the second half to limp to an unconvincing 25-point win. Though Preston mathematically can finish fourth, their recent performances indicate that it is not going to happen. For them, Tom Beck was a consistent performer and was named BOG for his contributions. He was assisted by Sean Calcedo who snared four goals. St Johns will be ruing the missed opportunity. Star player Glenn Costas was named their best player and, my man, Whiskers Cattolico played a superb game.

Battling for top spot, St Marys were given a fright in their match against Ivanhoe, conceding 44-points in the first quarter; However, they were able to keep in touch by notching up four goals of their own. The bad news was the dominance of Hoe captain, Mitch Lovell, and he had to be restrained for them to come back. Something went right for SMS after quarter time. Suffocating the Ivanhoe forwards and increasing their lead at every change from then on, the Saints ran out triumphant 61-point victors. With the Cougar, Manny Dolan, playing under an injury cloud, small-forward Dan Ryan stepped up and plonked through six sausage rolls. An even contribution across the board from the Saints holds them in great stead for their premiership tilt. Despite attention from SMS, Mitch Lovell dominated all day for his side, kicking two majors and being named BOG.

The huge match between PEGS and Ormond started slowly after some officiating dramas. It did not stay that way for long, however, as the Monders flew out of the blocks to lead by over five goals at quarter time. As expected, PEGS did not lay down and challenged the in-form Ormond, who proved they were simply too good for their challengers. The final score line saw Ormond win by 22 but it flattered PEGS. The loss sees the Bombers drop out of second spot by just .26 percent and a losing margin of 19 would have left them in second. The kick in the guts PEGS suffered was not felt as badly by Jack Condon and the in-form Andrew Khallouf who were excellent contributors in a losing side. For the victors, under 19 star, Matthew Perry slammed home six goals in his second senior game this year. It was not enough for best on ground honours, however, with Hamish Ramsay claiming that gong. Ormond now look extremely ominous with just one game to go before finals.

The final round has some stories to tell. None will be more imperative than the battle between St Johns and Brunswick. Jocs fate lies in their own hands but they will need to win by about 200 to make up the 10-point percentage difference. I think they will win but not by enough. Another fable will be heard between Oakleigh and Ivanhoe, this will be a test for the Oaks, and one they need to win. Aaron Cloke will put his boys on his back and drag them over the line, Oakleigh by 20. Therry should account for Whitefriars to complete their month of victories. A huge match between SMS and PEGS awaits and, on form, it is impossible to go past SMS. The final match sees Ormond host Preston. Both teams need to win but I predict Ormond will, knocking Preston out of finals.