Rovers hold off Krushers, NOBS edge past local rivals

Recording their second win of the season, Brunswick NOBS edged a two-point win over their West Brunswick counterparts at Alec Gillon Oval on Saturday afternoon. In the see-sawing affair, which saw a number of lead changes throughout the match, the Westies had a 10-point upper-hand at halftime thanks to the around the ground efforts from Tom Stokes (1) and Jacob Hyslop (1). NOBS fought back in the third and ascertained a two-point advantage heading into the final quarter, credit largely due to James Schmidt who snagged an impressive three majors out of his team’s five for the term. For the 7th placed Westies, who are guaranteed to miss finals and avoid relegation, Jethro Calma-Holt was notable with five goals, as were the aforementioned Stokes and Hyslop. For the NOBS, James Moverley (1), Nicholas Burgin and Jed Carey (2) featured in the winning side’s best.

Since losing to Hampton Rovers by 32-points in Round 7, Oakleigh had been one of the most in-from sides in Division 1 football, recording a remarkable seven consecutive wins. But, the ladder leaders proved to be a hill to steep yet again in their Round 15 encounter, and brought the Krushers crashing down by 13 points. The Rovers asserted themselves from the opening bounce and held Oakleigh scoreless for the entire first term, something no team has been able to do to the Krushers all season. From there, Hampton were essentially able to maintain a two-goal plus buffer for the remainder of the game, and were well led by BOG Richard Atkins, Daniel Corp (1) and Josh Pavlou. For the Krushers, whose run to finals is unquestionably challenging, Liam Gillard, Zach Pearce-Thomas (2) and Division 1 sharpshooter Aaron Cloke (3) were best.

A seven-goal opening term put Preston out of Ivanhoe’s reach in their encounter at Ivanhoe Park. Ivanhoe did somewhat manage to claw their way back into the contest, and trailed by just 20 points at three quarter time, which potentially could have been closer if it weren’t for errant goal-kicking. A four goal to one final quarter in the Bullants favour, and goal contributions from nine players throughout the day, enabled their solid 38-point victory. For the winners, Patrick Smith and Connor Howard were impressive with three majors apiece, while Michael Sortino, in his first senior game for the season, took out the BOG honours. Ivanhoe’s Conor Mitchell continued his consistent run of form and was named best, while James Lagreca and Wesley Mayne provided able support.

In what some would dub as a preview of Division 1 finals footy, it was 2nd placed Ormond who managed to seal the deal with a 23-point victory over Therry Penola (3rd). The Monders, who have had the Lions measure in both their meetings this season, capitalised on their opportunities early to take a 13-point lead in the opening term. Conversely, Therry’s scoreboard inaccuracy in the first quarter (2.7) hampered their ability to take control of the contest. In a change of the tide in the second and third quarters, the plague of errant goal-kicking infected the Monders side as the Lions improved considerably to outscore the visitors 6.3 to 4.12. With only 10 points in it come the final quarter, the game was there for the taking, and Ormond, through the means of Jeremy Simon (3), Blair Atkins and Tim Blackburn, proved too good. Therry’s Jarrod Bannister continued his goal-kicking dominance, slotting four, whilst Liam Flanagan and Nicholas Castaldi featured in the Lions best.

The trend of strong opening terms setting the tone for the match as Prahran Assumption sailed to a 26-point victory over 8th placed Kew at Victoria Park. The 23-point buffer Prahran built in the first quarter proved insurmountable for the Bears, who, despite a strong final quarter, outscoring them five goals to four, were simply unable to get within reach of the visitors. For the winners, Harrison Taylor, booting four majors, was the clear standout, earning the BOG bragging rights, whilst John Stocker and Joel Hume were impressive around the contest. For Kew, who remain in 8th position, and three games clear of the relegation drop, Cody Hotchin, Brinley Duggan, Nicholas James Thornely (1) and Jeremy Hannan (4) excelled.