Top-of-the-table tie in Division 1, Lions overrun Westies

Hampton Rovers and Ormond could not be split in their top-of-table encounter with both teams finishing 52 apiece at Boss James Reserve. Inaccurate kicking helped neither side as both registered 6.16, with the Rovers coming from 10 points down at the last break to tie things up. Lloyd Anrep and Blair Atkins were fantastic for the Monders, while Josh Pavlou was named the Barnes Medallist for his courageous performance for the Rovers. Both sides remain in first and second on the ladder but just half a game ahead of Preston Bullants in third.

Therry Penola came from 19 down at the last break and ran over West Brunswick by four points in a thriller at John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve. The Lions led by eight points at half time before the Westies piled on seven goals to three in a dominant third term. However, the Lions refused to lay down and chipped away at the deficit before claiming the lead and holding on. Jarrod Egglestone was outstanding in a BOG display for the Lions, while Jarrod (6) and Corey Bannister (3) combined for nine of their side’s 14 goals. Mitchell Howie continued his fine form for the Westies and Joel Beer booted four majors. There is now a one-game buffer between the two sides in fourth and sixth spot on the ladder.

Preston Bullants gave themselves a handy percentage boost going into the bye round as they dismantled Ivanhoe to the tune of 115 points at Ruthven Reserve. Leading by 38 points at half time, the Bullants exploded with 16 goals to three in the second half; including, a 10-goal third term. Jack Sammartino and Connor Howard finished the game with five goals each for the Bullants while teammate Tony Vuwai booted four. Vivian Blackmore-Moore kicked two goals and was the best of the Magpies as they continue their search for a win in the second half of the season.

Eight goals to three in the opening quarter paved the way for Oakleigh’s commanding 51-point victory over Kew at Scammell Reserve. Things settled down significantly after the first term with the Krushers kicking six goals to three for the remainder of the match. Aaron (5) and Lucas Cloke (4) took turns monstering the Bears defence, while Christopher Mercuri was best afield. Nathan Drummond and Nick Thornely were standouts for the Bears. The Krushers are in seventh spot on the ladder and three games above those in the relegation zone, while the Bears are eighth and just one game above Brunswick in ninth.

Prahran Assumption registered their second win in a row, defeating Brunswick NOBS by 66 points at Alec Gillon Oval. The Two Blues were relentless in the first three quarters as they booted 12 goals to one, before the NOBS broke even with four in the last. Harrison Taylor starred for the Two Blues and was named best afield, while Jack Matherson top-scored with four. Nicholas Burgin was the NOBS’ best for the fourth time this season and Geremie Ganino also continued his stellar form.