Snow Dogs take top spot as Blacks poach Panthers

University Blacks proved too strong for the previously undefeated Old Carey as they ran out 26-point winners at Carey Sports Complex. Despite kicking one goal from their first 13 scoring shots up until half time, the Blacks exploded with 12 goals to seven in the third and fourth terms. Lachlan Huntington returned after a week off with four goals for the Blacks, while Josh Steadman and Jordan Quaile were named their side’s best. Kristian Jaksch returned to form with four goals for the Panthers and Tom Jepson was a standout. The Panthers now fall to second spot on the ladder after St Bernard’s jumped above them, while the Blacks are third and on the same number of wins (7) as both sides in one and two.

Five goals to one in the opening term helped Old Haileybury to their first win of the season, defeating Mazenod by 27 points at Princes Park, Caulfield. The Bloods extended their lead to 58 points by three quarter time, before the Nodders fought back with five goals to two in the final term. John Nicolopoulos led all comers with four goals and Durras Seccull was named best afield for the winners. Nick Gooda returned to form in his second game this season with three goals. John-Paul Van Rensburg continued his impressive form for the Nodders alongside Atunaisa Bosenavulagi. The win means the Bloods move off the bottom of the ladder and into ninth, one spot below the Nodders.

Ajax ended a six-game losing streak and secured their second win for the season with a comprehensive 48-point victory over Monash Blues at Frearson Oval. Eight goals to two in a dominant opening term set the scene for the Jackas as they took a 34-point lead into the first break. Another four goals to one in the second all but secured the win even though the Blues fought back and won the second half with six goals to four. Toby Lipton kicked two goals and starred in a BOG display, while Jake Lew (4), Brandon Joel (3) and Adam Caplan (3) led the charge on the scoreboard. Charlie Rossetti was outstanding for the Blues and Jake Meade top-scored with three majors. The Jackas climbed to seventh spot on the ladder, three above the Blues after they dropped back down to 10^th.

St Bernard’s entered top spot on the Premier B ladder following a commanding 95-point victory over Beaumaris at the Snake Pit. 37 scoring shots to 12 told the story of the Snow Dogs’ dominance as they kicked 14 goals to three in the first three quarters. Shaun Clarke’s sensational season continued as he booted four goals for the Snow Dogs, while Tom Sullivan and Michael Caven booted three each. James Taylor and Lewis Diggins fought hard for the Sharks, but they were no match for the Snow Dogs on home soil. The Sharks now fall two games outside the four with a record of 4-4.

Caulfield Grammarians secured their place inside the top four with a 46-point victory over Parkdale Vultures at Glenhuntly Oval. Leading by six points at quarter time, the Fields booted seven goals to one in a match-winning second term and held the Vultures off for the remainder of the match. Jack Wallace and Christopher Diggle starred for the Fields in their sixth win of the season, while Keegan Stewart booted four goals. Nathan Papatsanis kicked three for the Vultures and made it 10 from his last three games alongside a standout display from Jarrod Munday. The Vultures remain in sixth spot on the ladder with three wins.