Red Devils tame Tigers, Sharks attacks

After three years with little success, South Melbourne Districts are back on track as they claimed their second consecutive victory with a 37-point win over Elsternwick. Leading by eight points at the half, the Swans kicked away with six goals to one in the final two terms. Ryan Chirgwin top-scored with three majors for the Swans and Torren Wright was unstoppable in a BOG display. Kyle Van Der Pluym continued his strong form to start the season as he was named best for the Wickers. The Swans sit third behind St Francis Xavier and North Brunswick, but four spots above the 1-1 Wickers.

Seven goals to one in the fourth quarter solidified North Brunswick’s second straight win as they defeated Box Hill North by 64 points at Allard Park. The Bulls led by 23 points at the final break but accelerated in the fourth, with Brendan George leading all comers with eight goals. Robert Santacroce was BOG for the winning side, while Eugene Charles and Sean Donovan played well for the Demons.

Parkside claimed their first win of 2018 with a strong 45-point victory over South Mornington at Pitcher Park. Leading by 14 points at half time, the Red Devils piled on five goals to one in the third and broke even with four apiece in the final term. Marcus Creek starred in a BOG performance, while Adam Moffa and Isaac Romano kicked three goals each. Anthony Simpson was the best of the Tigers as they fall to two straight losses to start the year.

Eley Park Sharks claimed their first win of 2018 via a 27-point victory over Masala at Whitehorse Reserve. Led by Noel Bahnsen’s seven majors, the Sharks increased a 16-point half time lead with six goals to four in the third and fourth. Jayden Pritchard contributed four to the Sharks’ overall tally, while Brandon Kelly was best afield for the Tigers and Sam Freeman kicked three.

St Francis Xavier continued their strong form to start 2018 with a 33-point win over Mt Lilydale in Beaconsfield. Leading by eight points at the main break, the X-Men galvanised and piled on seven goals to four in the second half. Dylan Alexander backed up his six goals from Round 1 with a bag of five for the X-Men, while Stephen Chin was named best afield. Stephen Donald kicked three in a standout performance for the Rams. The -Men sit atop the Division 4 ladder and the Rams, who are yet to win a game, in eighth.