Rovers roll on, Eagles swoop into 3rd

Madison Talarico

Hampton Rovers are looking renewed after defeating Ajax by 41 points at Boss James Reserve in Round 6. After losing their first three matches of 2019, the Rovers now hold an impressive three-game winning streak. Entering the second half with just a 10-point lead, the Rovers stuck it to Ajax with 11 goals, and thus inflicting the Jackas with their 4th straight defeat. A masterful nine-goal performance from Sam Bradford made all the difference for the Rovers in this important victory, whereas Brandon Joel held his own for the Jackas booting three.

With 3 straight wins, Hampton Rovers may have just found their form, but they face Old Ivanhoe Grammarians placed one spot above them only by percentage at Chelsworth Park in Round 7. The weekend also welcomes an Ajax v Old Camberwell Grammarians clash at Gary Smorgon Oval where both teams are urgent to end their four-game losing drought.

Marcellin now occupies third position with a noble come-from-behind 20-point victory against Mazenod at Central Reserve in Round 6. Marcellin struggled to get going for most of the contest, trailing at every break leaving them down by 26 points at 3QT. In a shocking fourth quarter, Marcellin scored eight goals to the Nodders one, upsetting the home side and sealing the win. A BOG display from Alastair Clayton led the Eagles to this important clutch win. Joshua Muling was the best for the Nodders.

Mazenod travels to PEGS Sporting Fields for a Round 7 game against PEGS with both outfits searching for their second win. PEGS come off their first win and will be prepared to challenge the Nodders. Old Mentonians will expect Marcellin at Keysborough Playing Fields for what promises to be an engaging contest. Both sit 4-2 for 2019 so far, with Marcellin keen to extend their two-game winning streak while Old Mentonians hope to end their two-game losing streak.

Ormond clinches another victory moving 5-1 for the season defeating Old Ivanhoe at Chelsworth Park by 11 points. Down by 31 points at the half, the Monders had to change something and they did. The always dangerous Ormond hit the scoreboard 10 times in the third to take the lead by 13 points. A tight fourth saw Ormond pull away and come out victors in epic fashion. Sam Mason (6) and Simon Buckley (4) were enforcers up front for Ormond, while Sam Keogh was impressive for the Hoers.

Ormond can look forward to a Round 7 clash against Williamstown CYMS at E.E. Gunn Reserve. This 1^st v 2^nd match is shaping up as one you won’t want to miss as both squads are looking frightening right now. Also sitting side-by-side on the ladder ,Old Ivanhoe will take on the streaking Hampton Rovers at Chelsworth Park in an important match for both teams moving forward.

A 51-point victory for Williamstown CYMS against Old Mentonians at Fearon Reserve in Round 6 affirms their grip on the Premier C division thus far. With only a goal to split these two teams at each break, the CY’s were ready for a grind in the fourth. A devastated Panthers, who’ve now been dealt their second straight loss, were left goalless with Williamstown asserting their dominance by putting up eight unanswered goals. Jack Noonan was best afield with three goals for the CY’s and Alexander Cross looked good for the Panthers.

Williamstown CYMS meet Ormond at Fearon reserve for the most exciting matchup of Round 7, and maybe 2019. Williamstown remains the only undefeated team and it will take a grand effort from Ormond to inflict them with their first defeat. Old Mentonians will face Marcellin in Round 7 at Keysborough Playing Fields. If the Panthers don’t like the possibility of three straight losses, a strong performance is warranted against Marcellin who come off a morale-building victory over Mazenod.

In their first win of 2019, PEGS came out victorious last weekend after beating Old Camberwell Grammarians by 30 points at Gordon Barnard Reserve. The Bombers accumulated a small lead in the opening term and built on it improving the lead every quarter to run over the Wellers. Max Philpot was the best for PEGS with Jackson Young booting three. Matthew Powell led scoring for the Wellers with four.

PEGS will return home for a clash against Mazenod in Round 7. A win here could be the turn-around both teams need to progress up the ladder. With another gruelling loss for Mazenod, a win here is crucial. Gary Smorgon Oval will host Ajax v Old Camberwell Grammarians with both teams eager to return to winning ways.