Saints hold off Krushers as Bullants move into 3rd

Division 1 football returned on Saturday with St Mary’s Salesian holding off Oakleigh by six points at Ferndale Park. Leading by 21 points at half time, the saints held off the Krushers with seven goals to nine in the second half and ran out winners despite having four less scoring shots (24-28). Cam Butler was best afield for the Saints and Louis Holmes top-scored with four goals while Emil Thaning was a standout for the Krushers.

UHS-VU increased their lead at the top of the ladder with a thrilling three-point victory over Kew at Victoria Park. The Vultures led by 28 points at the last break before the Bears stormed home with five goals to one in the final term. James Healey and Benjamin Anderson were best for the Vultures while Richard Wilton kicked two for the Bears. Kew are now a game and a half behind the Vultures in second spot on the ladder.

Therry Penola stayed in touch with the top four on the back of their 26-point win over Peninsula OB at John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve. The Lions were off target early with one goal from their first 11 scoring shots but straightened and finished the game with seven goals to two after quarter time. Jarrod Bannister (4) and Brock Egglestone (3) combined for seven of their side’s eight majors, while Thomas Feldgen found plenty of it from a Pirates perspective. In fifth spot on the ladder, Therry are now just percentage behind the Krushers in the four, while the Pirates are now one game out and in sixth.

Prahran Assumption claimed their fifth win for the season when they defeated Old Paradians by 35 points at Parade College. Four goals to one in the opening term set the scene for the Two Blues as they continued to pressure the scoreboard with 29 scoring shots to 14 by the end of the game. Will Brereton and James Falcone top-scored with three goals apiece for the Two Blues while Michael Boundy kicked three for the Raiders.

Preston Bullants moved into third spot on the Division 1 ladder following their 79-point win over West Brunswick at Ransford Oval. 26 scoring shots to 12 highlights the Bullants’ dominance across the day, including five unanswered in the opening term.  James King continued his outstanding individual form with two goals and a BOG display for the Bullants while Joel Beer starred fort eh Westies.