Results go to script, Cobras consolidate third spot

Lachlan Chapman

Aquinas proved they are still a prominent force in Division 3 with an emphatic 80-point win over Westbourne Grammarians at home. The Bloods ran out the game very strongly, putting on twelve goals to three in the second half in what was a dominant display. Michael Cardamone (6) and Joshua Robertson (5) were a lethal duo up front with 11 goals between them. Steven Wintle maintained his good form for the Warriors, chipping in with three majors, while Chris and Paul Hudson battled hard all day. Sitting just 7.59% below Manningham Cobras (1^st) on the ladder, Aquinas (2^nd) could potentially swap back into first if they are able to mirror their 26-point Round 4 win over the Animals again in Round 10. Westbourne Grammarians are a far better side than the 89-point defeat at the hands of North Brunswick in Round 1, and will look to aptly reverse results this weekend at Westbourne School.

The Cobras, of the Manningham variety, maintained top position on the ladder with an equally dominant 91-point victory over Parkside. The game was sewn up by half time with the Cobras having 20 scoring shots to Parkside’s three, effectively closing the gate early. The Devils were more competitive in the second half, but the 57-point deficit they carried across proved a bridge too far. Ayden Sukkel and Kane Maghamez each kicked four goals, with Finn O’Dowd named best afield. For the losing Devil’s line-up, Kobi Howes and Jonothan Friel performed admirably. With three consecutive losses to their name, Parkside will be hoping to change the tide in Round 10 when they take on Canterbury at Pitcher Park. A bye round beckons Manningham this weekend, a fate they are unlikely to be phased by given their unbeaten, five-game winning streak following their last bye in Round 4.

It was a tale of two halves with Canterbury proving the strongest when it mattered to win by 32 points over Emmaus St Leo’s and effectively secure third position on the ladder for the time being. A strong second quarter saw the Animals lead by 13 points at the main break setting them up well for the second half. However, the home side thought otherwise and ran out the game well with 8 goals to 1 in the second half. Tom Lowden and Nathan Hicks kicked 3 a piece while Michael Wheeler was BOG. Jack Hunt used his strong overhead marking to kick 3 for the Animals with young guns Sam Davis and Charlie Simpson best for the Animals. Despite the loss Emmaus St Leo’s cling on to 4^th spot by percentage with a tough fixture against Aquinas next week. Having snuck a four-point victory over Parkside last time they met in Round 6, Canterbury will hope to emulate that success again this weekend and continue their hot-streak (3 consecutive wins).

Returning from the fixtured bye round, North Brunswick will be ready and raring to notch win number two for the season against the Warriors away from home. Kicking away to an 89-point victory last time they met in Round 1 at Allard Park, the Bulls will surely carry some confidence going into their second encounter against the Westbourne side this weekend. Richmond Central will enjoy another bye round this weekend.