Rovers, CYs come up trumps in one-point thrillers

Madison Talarico

Hampton emerged victorious against Mazenod by one point in a nail-biting thriller to make it two straight wins. In what was a back-and-forth battle, Mazenod took an early 13-point lead at the first term which was short-lived when the Rovers put four goals on the board to the Nodders two before the half. A tight third quarter saw Mazenod take a one-goal lead but Hampton left it to the last quarter to seal the victory by a point. A BOG display from Josh Broadley allowed Hampton to get over line, supported by two goals from both Ross Sklavenitis and Sam Bradford. Mazenod’s Bradley Kovac booted three for his side. Round 6 will see a revived Hampton coming off two impressive performances welcome an Ajax side who went toe-to-toe with title favourites Williamstown CYMS. With two straight losses, Mazenod are looking to achieve their second win of the season at Central Reserve against a Marcellin squad sitting firmly in the middle of the ladder at 5th.

A nine-point win for Ormond over Old Camberwell Grammarians has enabled the Monders to move to second place on the table. The Wellers were able to contain Ormond for three quarters of the contest leading at every break, but couldn’t stop the Ormond surge in the fourth when they nailed six goals to one, leaving Old Camberwell in the dark. Three goals from Henry Simon was instrumental for Ormond, while Robert Campbell scored three for Old Camberwell. The always dangerous Ormond travel to Chelworth Park for a tasty clash against Old Ivanhoe Grammarians who devastated the Panthers in Round 5. Old Camberwell Grammarians host PEGS after both suffered close losses, though PEGS are still without a win whilst the Wellers sit in the lower half of the table with a 2-3 record.

A clutch one-point margin saw Williamstown CYMS continue their unblemished record in Premier C after a surging Ajax, who had the opportunity to nab victory with a set shot in the dying seconds of the match, narrowly missed out on the upset of the week. Ajax, with only one win for the season, took it to the season favourites leading by a margin of 20 at half-time. The second half belonged to the CY’s as they shut down any questions with six goals of their own, all keeping the Jackas to two. Dylan Jones starred in his first game for Williamstown CYMS, and Stuart Fayman booted three goals for Ajax. With their stronghold on the competition somewhat in question, Williamstown CYMS return home to face 3rd placed Old Mentonians who were stunned in their Round 5 outing. Though sitting in 9th position on the ladder, Ajax will feel confident after their Round 5 performance when they challenge 6th placed Hampton Rovers at Boss James Reserve.

Old Ivanhoe achieved a stunning 61-point upset over Old Mentonians away from home at Keysborough Playing Fields in Round 5. From the get-go, the Hoers demanded respect with five goals to three in the first term, and they didn’t allow any breathing room for the remainder – outscoring the Panthers with 12 goals to just four. Hamish Matheson, Jack Welham, Luke Velluto and Mal Mitris were responsible for 12 goals, scoring three each, and a star performance from Nick Reeves-Smyth. For the Panthers, Bryce Damin impressed while Alexander Cross produced three goals. A big win for the Hoers puts every Premier C side on notice. With their first loss of the season behind them, Old Mentonians have nothing to lose when they visit Fearon Reserve to face Williamstown CYMS who were tested by 9th placed Ajax. Old Ivanhoe will relish the opportunity to upset Ormond in Round 6, though the Monders look strong sitting 2nd on the ladder and won’t yield without a fight.

Marcellin earnt a tough eight-point victory in Round 5, troubling PEGS with their fifth straight defeat. An admirable 20-point lead to PEGS didn’t last as the Eagles scored five goals to PEGS’ one in the second term to take a four-point lead. In what was a tight contest during the second half, it was a matter of holding off PEGS to secure the win. For the winners, Ben Wiggins exhibited another superb performance while Adam Tomaro and Steven Fitzgerald kicked three goals each. Adrian Romanyk’s four goals improve his tally to 16 atop of the goalkicking leaderboard and Daniel Flaherty was their best. As Mazenod struggle to find their form, Marcellin will hope to extend the Nodders drought in this Round 6 contest with a win at Central Reserve. The 0-5 PEGS can expect a tough match at Gordon Barnard Reserve against Old Camberwell Grammarians, but a good performance in Round 5 may give them the confidence to steal this one.