Westies end losing streak, Bears hold off Magpies

Hampton Rovers continued their unbeaten run in Division 1 with a hard-fought 22-point win over Therry Penola at Boss James Reserve. Leading by just one point at three quarter time, the home town favourites lifted and kicked four goals to one in the fourth. Josh Broadley starred for the Rovers in a BOG display, while Jesse Donald, Christian Carnovale and Adam McNeil each kicked two goals. Therry had just two less scoring shots than the Rovers but will rue inaccuracy as 15 of their 22 shots were behinds. Brock Egglestone led from the front for the Lions with two goals and a bevy of disposals alongside three goals from Darcy Ryan. The Rovers remain on top of the ladder with a percentage more than 350 while Therry are still third with four wins.

Like Hampton, Ormond refuse to give up their unbeaten start to the season as they comfortably accounted for Brunswick FC by 85 points at EE Gunn Reserve. Eight goals to two in the opening term set the scene for the Monders as they continued to dominate possession and apply scoreboard pressure with 14 goals to five in the final three quarters. Jack McCartney’s strong form continued as he was named best afield for the Monders while teammates Tom Buckley and Henry Simon top-scored with four goals each. Jed Carey nailed three goals for the second week in a row for NOBS and Nick Burgin was named their best player for the third time this season.

West Brunswick ended a three-game losing streak and got one back against Prahran Assumption, running out six-point winners in the grand final replay at Toorak Park. After falling to the Two Blues in both the seniors and reserves deciders last year, the Westies came from 10 points behind at half time with six goals to three in the third and fourth terms. The game was won in the third term when the Westies kicked three unanswered. Bas Simpson’s outstanding season continued as he was named best afield, making it the fourth time he has been named in the Westies’ best from his four games. Bill Irving, Sean Butler and Joel Beer each kicked two goals in the low-scoring affair, while the Two Blues were led well by John Stocker and Harrison Taylor. Both sides have a win-loss record of 3-3 but the Two Blues (132.9%) boast a percentage of more than double the Westies (65.12%).

Kew registered their second win for the season as they held off Ivanhoe by 16 points at Ivanhoe Park. The Bears led by 40 points at three quarter time as Jeremy Hannan led the way with four goals, before the Magpies clicked into gear with five goals to one in the final term. Billy Shute and Matthew O’Dicho joined Hannan as the Bears’ best, while Seamus Hoffman and Wesley Mayne impressed for the Magpies. The result did not change either side’s position on the ladder as the Bears sit eighth and the Pies 10^th.

Preston Bullants retook their spot inside the top four via a 23-point victory over Oakleigh at Ruthven Reserve. Trailing by 10 points at quarter time, the Bullants kicked 12 of the last 18 goals; including, five to one in the second term. Patrick Vanin was named best afield for the Bullants for the fifth time this season, while Liam Carter top-scored with three goals. Aaron Cloke’s five goals took his season tally to 34 from six games as the Krushers continue to battle in seventh spot on the ladder.