Snakes on the board, Manningham win heavyweight clash

Lachlan Chapman

Canterbury Football Club have defied a slow start to eventually overrun North Brunswick at Allard Park to the tune of four goals. With a home crowd in support, the Bulls shot out of the blocks with a 20 point lead heading into the first change, however Canterbury were able to respond almost immediately with six goals to one in second quarter ultimately providing the catalyst for the victory. The game was relatively even in the second half with the Cobras keeping the home team at bay to hold on by 24 points. Alex Carapetis played an important role for the victors while Callum Bourke and Mitchell Szabo were also prominent with two goals apeice. Cameron Lee was best afield for the Bulls and three majors of Matthew David’s boot made him their leading scorer for the day.

Manningham Cobras have announced themselves as a leading premiership contender after knocking off top side Aquinas, away from home no less, at Aquinas College. The Bloods had the ascendancy early aided by some wayward kicking from Manningham who trailed by 15 points at the main break, despite having five more scoring shots (8.2 to 4.11). They say the third quarter is the premiership quarter and that’s when the Cobras stamped themselves on the game as they started to find range in front of the big sticks and piled on six goals to one in a telling quarter on the final result. The home side were able to stem the flow in the final quarter, however they were unable to recover the deficit with Manningham running away by 20 points. Joshua Roberston had a huge game kicking six goals in a losing side, while competition spearhead Kane Maghamez, though not as prominent as recent weeks, still managed four goals for the victors. Jarryd Croxford and Thomas Bell were also prominent for the winning Cobras. Despite the loss, Aquinas still retain top spot by a small margin (4%) over second placed Manningham.

Westbourne Grammarians’ three game winning streak came to an end at the hands of Richmond Central, who recorded their second win of the year in the seniors. Given the evenness of the competition, the 27-point victory will be a crucial four points away from home which keeps their season alive. Benjamin Crole and Cameron Worsley were in good touch for the Snakes with Jack Bilson chipping in with four goals. Dale Collins and Ali Eqbal continued their strong form for the home side, however it wasn’t enough to get them over the line. Richmond Central will face a tough test against a red hot Manningham next week while the Warriors have the week off.

Looking ahead to Round 8, a significant battle looms for the Animals and Bulls at Bennettswood Sports Ground. In what will very much be deemed a winnable clash for both playing groups, Emmaus St Leo’s and North Brunswick will see this as an opportunity to snap significant losing streaks and re-join the winners circle (three losses in a row for Emmaus and five losses in a row for North Brunswick). In a battle of the reptiles, Manningham will look to continue their fine form as they host a spirited Richmond Central at Koonung Reserve, while Aquinas will be out for blood after their first defeat of 2019, and it’ll be Parkside at the brunt of it at Pitcher Park.