Nodders, Hoers claim first wins of 2019

Mazenod came from behind in their Round 3 clash against Ajax and claimed their first win of the season with a thrilling one-point victory at Gary Smorgon Oval. The Nodders trailed by 17 points at half time after giving up 19 scoring shots to just seven but returned from the main break inspired as they piled on seven goals to four in the second half. Joshua Muling was a standout for the Nodders and named BOG while teammates Chris Campbell and David Regan booted three goals each. The Jackas, who will rue missed opportunities after kicking 9.22, were well led by skipper Nick Lewis as well as Evgeni Routman and Brandon Joel who kicked three goals apiece.

Old Mentonians kept their unbeaten run alive and jumped into second spot on the Premier C ladder after they defeated Ormond by 43 points at EE Gunn Reserve. Six goals to three in the opening term set the scene for the Panthers third consecutive win before kicking another 12 goals to nine thereafter. Max Rothberg continued his outstanding form with five goals after kicking three last week, while Lachlan Boyd contributed four. Lachlan McCambley and Sam Mason (4 goals) were standouts for the Monders in their first loss of the season.

Marcellin entered third spot on the ladder with a comfortable 53-point victory over Hampton Rovers at Boss James Reserve. The Eagles jumped out to a 26-point lead in the first term before the Rovers hit back and reduced the margin to 15 by the main break. It was all Marcellin in the second half as they then kicked away with 12 goals to five, with Daniel McMahon at the forefront and booting a game-high seven majors. Steven Fitzgerald kicked four in the first game for the season while Adam Tomaro was best afield. Ryan Fogarty and Sean Ebbott impressed for the Rovers as they now fall to their third straight loss.

Williamstown CYMS proved too strong for Old Camberwell as they skipped away to an 83-point victory at Gordon Barnard Reserve. Leading by three goals at half time, the CYs produced a dominant second half with 12 of the last 13 goals. Lachlan Fairley led a host of goal kickers with four alongside three each from Dean Cutajar, Jack Gray and Ben Deller. Last year’s Zachariah Medallist Yuma Hemphill found plenty of it and was named best afield. It was a tough day for the Wellers with just five goals, but James Allen stood tall as their best player.

Old Ivanhoe claimed their first win of 2019 as they defeated PEGS by 95 points at PEGS School Ground. The Hoers trailed by three points at the first break but ignited in the second with seven unanswered goals before finishing the game with another 11 goals to three. Hamish Shepheard was a clear standout in his first game of the season with a round-high nine goals, while Luke Velluto was named best-on-ground. Brett Hannah and Adrian Romanyk (3 goals) were outstanding for PEGS despite the loss.