Vultures survive, Blues cement finals berth in Premier B

Four goals to one in the final term helped Parkdale Vultures avoid relegation despite going down to Old Scotch by 35 points at Gerry Green Reserve. With 1.67% between themselves and Fitzroy in ninth spot on the ladder, the Vultures held on by just .3% after the Roys went down to Ajax by seven points. Nine points over the course of the season proved the difference between staying in Premier B and relegation. Jack Bull was best afield for the Cardinals and Jordan Clarke finished with three goals as they finish the home and away season in second spot on the ladder and get ready to face Old Brighton in next week’s second semi-final. Brayden Stevenson was the best for the Vultures who now reload on the back of five wins for the year.

Fitzroy were unable to claim victory over Ajax in their bid to avoid relegation as they went down by seven points at Princes Park Caulfield. Trailing by 13 points at the last break, the Roys rallied with five goals to three but the Jackas defence stood tall in the dying moments to hold on. Ward Williams starred in a best-on-ground performance for the Jackas, while Jack Dalton kicked three for the Roys. Despite the win, the Jackas remain in fifth spot on the ladder and miss finals by a game to the Monash Blues. The Roys now go down to Premier C for the 2018 season after falling .3% short of the Vultures in eighth.

Monash Blues secured their second consecutive Premier B finals berth as they defeated Old Carey at Carey Sports Complex. While scores were not available at time of publication, the Blues were led by three-goal hauls from Andrew Pitson, Nicholas Petering and Gareth Taylor. Jason Ashby starred for the Panthers with three goals as they finish the season in seventh spot on the ladder with six wins. The Blues will now face St Bernard’s in next weekend’s first semi-final.

Peninsula finished their one-year in Premier B in style, defeating St Bernard’s by six points at Peninsula School Ground. Trailing by 10 points at half time, the Pirates kicked 10 goals to seven in the second half, including a match-winning seven goals to two in the third term. William Harbinson was the star with three goals in a BOG display for the Pirates while Jacob Bevanda was outstanding for the third-placed Snow Dogs. They will now play the Blues in a do-or-die semi while the Pirates return to Premier C with three wins for the season.

11 goals to one in the first half helped Old Brighton to a comprehensive 77-point victory over Mazenod at Central Reserve. The Nodders won the third term with three goals to two but it was to no avail as the minor premiers notched their 16^th win for the year. Benjamin Jarick was best afield for the Tonners and Nicholas Coroneos top-scored with three majors. Dean Izon continued his stellar season for the Nodders who finish their year in sixth spot and with eight wins.