Bloods cement top spot, Snakes overrun Bulls

Lachlan Chapman

Aquinas have cemented top spot on the ladder and remain the only undefeated team in Division 3 with a polished performance defeating the in-form Emmaus St Leo’s by 26 points at Aquinas College. The win was set up with a first quarter barrage, with Aquinas drawing blood with six of the first seven goals aided by a nice breeze. The Animals were able to regain some momentum in the second, but three goals to either side meant the home team went into the main break with a 28 point advantage.

The heavens opened up and it became a real arm wrestle when play resumed, with Emmaus registering the only goal for the quarter getting them within striking range heading into the fourth. Emmaus were able to win the final quarter, however the damage had already been done and the polish of Aquinas shone through as they ran out 26 point winners to remain the team to beat for Division 3.

Jake Cawsey, Joshua Robertson and Billy O’Loughlin were pivotal multiple goal scorers in what was a low scoring contest. The Animals had a good spread with nine individual goal kickers, however none were able to contribute multiple. James McMahon and Brent Simons were best afield for Aquinas and Emmaus, respectively. Aquinas will again play at home against Richmond Central next round while Emmaus St Leo’s, having now dropped to 3rd spot, will host their Annual ‘Pink Game’ against Manningham.

The match of the round was played out at Kevin Bartlett Reserve where Richmond Central produced a brilliant come from behind win in what was somewhat of an upset against North Brunswick. The Snakes have been duly rewarded for their consistency as they have lost their opening three games by an aggregate margin of less than 40 points, so they will be relieved that a close one has gone their way. The Bulls pounced right out of the gates with the first five goals in the first quarter, however in what was a great sign of character, the Centrals were able to pile on six to one in the second to regain a one point advantage by half time.

After two one sided quarters for both teams the game levelled up in the second half and in a goal for goal contest no side was able to get breathing space. In the end, it was the Centrals who finished the strongest and held on to a slender five point margin at the final siren.

Benjamin Crole and Jared Goldsack were instrumental for the victors while Benson Adams had the most impact on the scoreboard with three goals. Samuel Holgate and Andrew Ramzy were best on for the visitors. After a red hot start, North Brunswick drop down to 5th while Richmond Central are in 7th after recording their first win.

An amazing eight goal burst in the final quarter has seen Westbourne Grammarians take out their first victory of the season on the road at Pitcher Park against Parkside. Westbourne held sway for the majority of the first half however it was a low scoring contest so Parkside always seemed to be within striking distance. Something must have been said at the three quarter time break as the boys from out west then turned the jets on in the final quarter with Ali Eqbal and Dale Collins showcasing their brilliant goalkicking form from 2018 with five and four goals, respectively.

Adam Wells again produced another blinder for the home side while Adam Imber and Patrick O’Brien were influential for the victors. Parkside now sit in 6th position and despite the win Westbourne still remain 8th. Parkside face a tough trip away to North Brunswick in what looms as a crucial game with both sides looking to atone for recent losses and to remain in touch with the top four. Westbourne will look to make it two on the trot with a home game against Canterbury.