Razorbacks pass another test and Masala and the Falcons get their first wins

Billy Bolch

Eley Park hosted Masala in what was a huge game for both teams. The Sharks were coming into this match following a loss to St John’s but they had a win on their record whilst the Tigers were coming off a devastating loss to Swinburne. Opposite to what we have seen from the Tigers so far this season, Masala started incredibly strong and went into the first break up 25 to 1. In the second, the Sharks hit the scoreboard kicking 3 goals whilst the Tigers kicked another 4 to go up by 31 at half-time. The second half didn’t see too much change as the Sharks kicked 5 goals to Masala’s 8 resulting in Eley Park finishing 8.7-55 to Masala’s 16.11-107 giving Masala their first win of the season. For Masala Cameron Young played one of his best games for the club kicking 4. Matt Decarne, Daniel Hoffman, Anthony Dorrington and Brandon Kelly kicked 2 goals each for the Tigers and Kelly was named best on ground. For the Sharks, Tim Johnston was the only multiple goal scorer with two goals. Ben Field, Jack Craig and Daniel O’Shea were among the best for the Sharks and Brandon Kelly, Jeremy Bondoux, Tom Williamson and the debuting Buom Koang were the best for the Tigers in their 52 point win.

Eley Park will now face Swinburne away in what is another important yet tough game for the Sharks. Masala will face their biggest rivals in St Johns in what will possibly be the match of the round.

St John’s faced their toughest competition to date as they faced off against the undefeated Swinburne at home in what was a game that could be a measuring stick for the rest of the division’s season. The game was a close and fairly low scoring back and forth contest all day. As the teams headed into their first break, the Razorbacks found themselves up four goals to two. However, the JOC’s had a defensively strong second quarter only allowing 1 goal whilst they kicked 2. Leading by 7 going into the third quarter, the Razorbacks set themselves the task of holding the lead which they did so by extending the lead to 14 as the teams headed into the final break. Swinburne started off the 4th extremely strong kicking the first two goals of the final term however these would be the only goals they’d kick that quarter. The momentum started to swing as the JOC’s kicked the next two goals however the Razorbacks were able to hold them off eventually winning by 12 points. Jason Naffa and Corey Ely kicked two goals each for the JOC’s whilst Joseph Zambelli kicked four goals for Swinburne. For St Johns, Jasper Hall, Ethan Hope and Matthew Bennett were the best on ground. Swinburne’s best included Zachary Lassey, Zachary Cooke and Brent Hodson.

St John’s will look to rebound as they face Masala away in what is an important game for both teams. Swinburne will host Eley Park in what is a very winnable game for the Razorbacks.

Both Albert Park and Box Hill North were in desperate need of a win as the two teams met on a rare Sunday afternoon clash. Albert Park started the game off strong as they went into the quarter time break up 4 goals to 1. After a fairly even second quarter, the Falcons maintained the lead, being up by 21 points against the Demons. Albert Park then put together a big third quarter adding another four goals to the scoreboard whilst only allowing the Demons a goal. Down by 45 heading into the fourth quarter, Box Hill needed to get going early if they were to have any chance in the game. The Demons instantly changed the momentum of the game however despite kicking four goals to the Falcons’ zero, inaccurate kicking ultimately cost the Demons as they also kicked six behinds in the quarter. In the end, Albert Park escaped with the game, winning by 17 points. Alexander Evans led the scoring for the Falcons kicking 3 goals. Sam Lee, William Marshall and Alistair Lupo were the best on ground for Albert Park. For Box Hill, Stephen Harrison, Jordan Gasparini and Leon Desmond kicked 2 goals each whilst their best players included Peter Cassidy-Marsh, Beau Parthenides and David Edwards.

Albert Park will now look to continue their momentum as they face off against La Trobe in what will be a tough but very important game for the Falcons. Box Hill North will now have the week off before playing St Johns in round 5.

La Trobe who had the bye will now play host to Albert Park in what is an important game if they want to stay right alongside the Razorbacks.