Boundy for glory with nine, Two on the trot for the House

Anna Pavlou – @Annalyst_Sports

While the top four looked all but set last week, this weekend’s wins and losses have well and truly turned the ladder on its head, with a variety of teams showing why they are made for finals footy. Michael Boundy is now the second player to snag nine majors this season, after last week’s BOG performance from Whitefriars’ Lewis Neate. The Vulture’s Nick Devereux and St John’s Timmy ‘Timbo’ Edwards kicked seven each to tighten up the goal kicking race. Let’s see how Round 5 went down.

Eltham Collegians vs Bulleen Templestowe
The Turtles tested the Bullants but fell short when it mattered most, losing by 16 points, celebrating Troy Jinnette’s 301st game at Eltham College. While the Bullants seemed comfortable in the first half, doubling Eltham’s score (6 goals to 3), the Turtles eight goal fight-back made for a compelling second half. However, Bulleen were too slick and ran out the game at full strength, headed by Ashywyn Mohandas’ three goals and a trusted two goals from Anthony Lucisano. Dave Dakin was again a star for the Bullants as well as BOG Lachlan Bruce. For Eltham, it was their young gun Angus Robertson who again pushed to the end. Tim Woods earned BOG and was ably supported by a spread of eight goal kickers, who all should hold their heads high after a rocky start to 2018.

Old Paradians vs Emmaus St Leos
Led by a nine-goal haul from Michael Boundy, Garvey Oval played host to an undefeated Old Paradians side, who comfortably beat Emmaus St Leos by 59 points. The Animals were only down by 12 points at quarter time, but the Raiders knew how to dominate with a fast pace that couldn’t be matched and held the lead from the first quarter, kicking 22 goals overall. The Animals had support from Jack Hunt (4) in front of goal and around the ground, relied on efforts from Lawrence Virgo and Nathan Baranello. The Raiders looked to the Jeffrey boys, Warren and Ryan who did the most damage across the ground, as well as Byron Walton (4) and Keenan Posar (2) who were right by Boundy’s side in front of goal.

MHSOB vs UHS-VU
UHS-VU are back on the winners list after a three-goal win over MHSOB away from home, holding them in the top four. Melbourne High only kicked one goal in the second quarter, giving Uni High a three-goal lead at the main break. But after what seemed to be a major half-time pump-up, the Unicorns fired back with 4 unanswered goals, trailing by only one point at three-quarter time, setting up what could have been a hard slog fourth quarter. However, Nick Devereux’s seven goals overall steadied Uni High’s ship as they took the game back onto their terms, kicking 4 goals to one in the final term to take the four points. Mitch La Fontaine (2) was named best for the Unicorns, followed by Will Maurice and a consistent James Tran, as well as Kane Smith, who takes his goal tally to 18 for 2018. For the winners, Gerard Sharrock lead with pride, along with Tom Howards who kicked two goals.

Power House vs St Johns
Power House made it two in a row when they defeated a hard fighting St Johns side at the Ross Gregory. Luke Stubbs lead the way for the House, kicking six of their 12 majors, however, they struggled to get on top of the Jocs early, who were neck and neck in a low scoring first half. Power House missed a massive 20 scoring shots resulting in the final outcome being closer than the way the House dominated. Both sides had a high scoring last quarter, where the House kicked 6 goals and the Jocs kicked five. The defenders prevailed for the House, led by Fiachra O’Deasmhunaigh and Rhys Gregory, who held the Jocs to 10 goals. Dec Nannery was also important for Power House. For the Jocs, star forward Timmy ‘Timbo’ Edwards kicked a stellar seven, with Keith Ash and Liam O’Connor as able support.

Whitefriars vs Yarra Old Grammarians
The Friars made it known that they’re the real deal as they defeated another high-scoring side in Yarra Old Grammarians by a comprehensive 48 points. The game‘s fate was all but sealed in the first quarter, when the Friars kicked seven goals to one and held the Rangers to only 2 goals in the whole first half. 10 goals up at three-quarter time, the Friars slowed down and kicked only two in the final term, adding more percentage and upholding their first place on the ladder. With a spread of 10 goal kickers, including three from Hewitt Murray and as expected, Michael Nitas, as well as BOG performances from Glenn Ibbott and Bryan Dihn, Whitefriars are set for more domination this season. The Bushrangers Rory Harbeck added a neat 2 goals to his season tally of 23 and best Todd May was strong for the Rangers, alongside John Trend and Ryan Pollard (2).