Cards, Blacks run rampant, Vultures get on the board

Jake Morris

After two grueling defeats to begin the year, Parkdale Vultures have claimed win number one for season 2019 after dismissing a fast finishing Old Geelong at Como Park. The Cards, Fields and Blacks all held strong in their matchups to remain undefeated, while Beaumaris notched their second consecutive win after a comfortable victory over Old Haileybury.

Following on from their fantastic defensive performance in Round 2, Beaumaris once again put on another clinical display, limiting Old Haileybury to just 49-points in an impressive showing. Trailing only Old Scotch and Caulfield Grammarians, the Sharks currently concede the third least points-per-game at just over 55 a match. Despite trailing at half-time, the Sharks used a five-goal to one third term to run away with the contest and move a game clear into fourth position. Callum Heath (1) was adjudged best afield for the victors, while Jonno Nash and Christopher Grigoriadis both booted three apiece. Corey Rich (3) was the lone multiple goal kicker for the Bloods, while Brodie Steele was named his sides best in a disappointing day.

A six-goal to nil second quarter was all Caulfield Grammarians needed to create some space from Fitzroy and continue their undefeated start to the season. Though inaccurate kicking in-front of goal (13.14) arguably cost them some percentage points, their defensive game is what makes this side so dangerous this year. Currently third in scoring (115ppg avg) and second in points conceded (48ppg avg), the Fields are truly on track for success in 2019. Theo Thompson kicked three for his side while Lachie Harris was named BOG. The Roys were gallant early but ultimately succumbed to their opponent’s elite midfield and defensive pressure, making it extremely difficult to gather scoring opportunities. Lachlan Henderson and Julian Turner both booted two, but still cannot capture that illusive victory.

A game of runs, inaccurate kicking and blustery conditions set the stage for one of the more exciting matches so far this year as Parkdale Vultures held off a fast finishing Old Geelong by just four points to secure their first win in 2019. Though the first half was nothing to write home about, as both sides struggled to hit the scoreboard, the flood gates busted open in the third term as the Vultures piled on six goals to one to take a commanding 29-point lead into the final term. Nick Bourke and his men were up for the challenge, however, as the OGs flew home with five majors in the last to set up the grandstand finish. Josh Manning booted three for the Vultures while Charlie Crozier, Mickey Nicholls and Joseph Griffiths all had two apiece for the OGs.

University Blacks continued their undefeated start to the year as they eclipsed St Bedes/Mentone Tigers by 50 points in a one-sided afternoon. Despite leaving some percentage points on the field (15.21), the Blacks still sit in third position and have staked their claim as arguably the most damaging forward structure in the competition. Averaging over 132ppg, the Blacks only trail Old Scotch in points scored so far this year. Daniel Mccullough kicked four and moved into first in this sections goal-kicking tally with 11 overall, while teammates Joel Ernest and Lachlan Huntington booted two apiece. Matt Caia kicked three while Michael Barnes was named St Bedes best, but a rough start to the year for the freshly relegated Tigers.

Old Scotch are simply playing at another level right now and dismantling all who stand in-front of them. Monash Blues were in their crosshairs for Round 3, and despite the slow start, a 20-goal to three display in the final three quarters did more than enough to remind Premier B who the Premiership favourites are. Thomas Downie bagged a six-goal haul as seven other Cards’ registered multiple majors in the victory. Averaging 147 points per game, conceding only 33 a contest and having an average winning margin of 19 goals are ridiculous numbers. Ben Hart was adjudged the Blues best in their biggest defeat so far this season.