Alisha Min
Hampton Rovers vs Kew
The expectations of the Hampton Rovers heading into Round 1 of the Division 1 2018 season was they could stem their recent decline, and they seemingly thrived under pressure and emerged as 61-point victors over Kew.
It was a tight contest in the beginning, with the score line indicating that nothing separated the two sides heading into the first break. The Rovers were able to edge over their fellow Premier C relegates in the second quarter, leading at halftime by 17 points. During the second half, the Rovers continued picking away at Kew thanks to their 3-time goal scorers K Pinto and J Mcpherson, and the impressive on field ability of B Treger-Haig and S Curry.
Michael Shmerling, Kew senior coach, would have been disappointed with his side’s 2 points scored in the final term, but their Round 2 clash against Ormond in front of a home crowd at Victoria Park should be a different story entirely.
The Rovers will be hoping to consolidate their Round 1 win against Prahran Assumption AFC on Saturday 14 April 2018.
Ormond vs Prahran Assumption
Ormond entered E.E. Gunn Reserve in Round 1 hoping to put their disappointing Division 1 2017 finals series behind them, and they did so in style in their 55-point victory over Prahran Assumption AFC.
A seven-goal to one opening term put the game out of reach early, with Jack Mccartney going on to bag six goals in a dominant display.
Skipper, Tom Buckley, starred in a BOG performance for the Monders, while Riley Hogan and Nathan Costin fought hard for the Two Blues.
Prahran Assumption AFC will be put to the test in their Round 2 clash against Hampton Rovers, while Ormond will look to challenge Kew at Victoria Park.
Ivanhoe vs Therry Penola
Looking to improve on their 2017 performance in Division 1, Therry Penola were quick to stamp their authority on Ivanhoe with an unrelenting 102-point victory at Ivanhoe Park.
Nine goals to one in the first term set the scene for the one-sdied affair as the three Bannisters, Corey (10), Jordan (3) and Shaun (2) snagged 15 goals between them. Imagine the damage when Jarrod enters the fray. Daniel Tadinac was named best afield for the Lions, something Corey will need to keep in mind when searching for 11 this week.
Lachlan Roberts was the sole multiple goal kicker for the Magpies, while Daniel Jones did his utmost to stem the flow with a solid display.
In Round 2, Ivanhoe will take on West Brunswick off the back of their thrilling 1-point victory over the Preston Bullants. Therry Penola will be looking to continue their impressive form in their match-up against Round 1 victors, Oakleigh.
Oakleigh vs Brunswick NOBS
An impressive 90-point first half proved too difficult a challenge for Brunswick NOBS to overcome in their Round 1 battle against Oakleigh at W.A. Scammell Reserve.
Aaron Cloke was at his most dominant up forward and sent home a bag of 10 for the Krushers as they added another 10 before the final siren sounded.
NOBS hit back well in the second half and outscored their opponents, with recruit Jed Carey top-scoring with five.
Hoping to continue improving on their 12 wins from the 2017 Division 1 season, Oakleigh will have a tough task ahead of them in Round 2 when they meet the in-form Therry Penola. Brunswick NOBS will be looking for a different result in their Round 2 match-up against the unlucky 1-point-losers, the Preston Bullants.
Preston Bullants vs West Brunswick
It was a see-sawing affair at Ruthven Reserve and it was West Brunswick who came out one-point winners against Preston Bullants.
Trailing at both the first and second break, the Westies kicked five goals to three in the third to take an eight-point lead into the final term. Despite allowing five goals to three, the black and white managed to hold on thanks in large to standout performances from Bill Irving (5) and Cormac Cashin.
Patrick Vanin was named best for the Bullants while Tony Vuwai and Jackson Curic kicked three goals each in impressive performances.
Both sides should press for finals in 2018 so if this is an indication as to what we can expect, strap yourselves in.
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