Cobras, Razorbacks enter winners’ column in Div 3

After suffering a Round 1 loss to Canterbury, Swinburne University hit back with a thrilling two-point victory over Aquinas at St James Park. The Razorbacks jumped out to 23-point lead at the first break and the margin was still 20 at the half, before the Bloods fought back with five goals to two and levelled things up heading into the final term. Led by BOG Joldy Bradley and four goals from Riley Livingstone, the Razorbacks edged past the Bloods in an outstanding final term. Russell Foster was a standout for the Bloods and both Adam Reichart and Ash Naulty kicked three goals each.

Glen Eira solidified top spot on the Division 3 ladder via a 39-point victory over Albert Park at Parker Reserve. Leading by 24 points at the final break, the Gryphons kicked away with five goals to three in the fourth term. Julius Waras Carstensen backed up his seven goals from Round 1 with another four majors for the Gryphons while Nicolas Chapman was best afield. It was a much-improved effort from the Falcons who were led admirably by Kirk Murray and James Faulkner.

Canterbury made it two wins from two weeks after they defeated Hawthorn AFC by 12 points at Canterbury Sports Ground. The Cobras burst from the blocks in the opening half with nine goals to two but were able to hold on when the Hawks made their move with seven goals to three in the final two terms. The Hawks had more scoring shots than the Cobras with 23-20. The Cobras had five players kick at least two goals, with Sam Murphy leading all comers with three. Danny Priest dominated for the Hawks and bagged five goals while Tom Boots was a standout.

Richmond Central remain undefeated two wins into the year after they ran over Westbourne Grammarians by 25 points at Kevin Barlett Reserve. Accuracy helped the Snakes’ cause as they kicked 11.15 to the Warrior’s 7.14 but standout performances from Tom Rivers (3) and Damien Holland meant they held a comfortable lead the majority of the match. Patrick O’Brien and Paul Hudson impressed for the Warriors but they now sit eighth after two straight losses.

Manningham Cobras bounced back from a Round 1 loss with a comprehensive 98-point victory against La Trobe University at Koonung Reserve. Six unanswered goals in the first term set the scene for the Cobras’ victory as they piled on 40 scoring shots to 12. Kane Maghamez showcased the form he produced in 2017 with nine goals for the Cobras while Michael Muller was named best afield. Tom Mooney (1) and Matt Ogle (2) both stood tall for the Trobers.