If it Bleeds, We can kill it; Old Haileybury defeat Uni Blacks leaving the top spot up for grabs

Eliza Wright

Let the jostling for spots begin with some important wins this week allowing teams to climb the ladder. Fitzroy overpowered Williamstown as did AJAX in their game against Old Carey. Beaumaris showed their strength against De La Salle and in an upset victory, Old Haileybury defeat the powerhouse that is the Uni Blacks.

Down at Fearon reserve, Fitzroy defeated Williamstown by 25 points. Williamstown came out of the blocks early, nabbing themselves a 4-point lead. Fitzroy were quick to respond with forwards Jules Turner and Ted Clayton firing on all cylinders. Jack McKay put in a stellar performance in the ruck, working hard all day for his teammates. As CY trailed by 16 points at 3-quarter time, Jai Haines and Thomas Johnstone continued their second and third efforts around the ground, determined to claw back the win.

Ned Sayers was also among the best for Williamstown securing himself a goal as was Harrison Miller in his senior debut. In the end, crucial momentum off the half-back line from Jock Green proved too powerful as Fitzroy ran away with the victory. Fitzroy currently sit 5th on the table trailing behind AJAX by 4 points. It’s safe to say their round 12 battle against the Jackers at Brunswick Street Oval will be a pivotal one. On the other side of the coin, 8th play 9th in Round 12 as CY look to grab their third victory for the season against Old Carey.

Waverley Oval set the stage for a nail-biting match against De La Salle and Beaumaris. De La were off to a flying start, taking advantage of the dosing Sharks to generate a 16-point lead in the opening term. Sam and Jack Williams turned The Dairy Bell into The French Open with their exceptional ball use through the centre meanwhile Sean Fisher’s resourcefulness up forward kept The Sharks guessing. A close second quarter saw Beaumaris lift as The Sharks entered the halftime break in front by 1 point.

Inaccuracy in front of the posts proved costly for De La as they entered the final term with 5 goals 9 to Beauy’s 7 goals 3. The experience and leadership of Matthew Petering coupled with the determination from Jake Nardino and his 2 notable goals highlighted Beaumaris’ ability to wrestle the game in their favour.

In the end, Beaumaris proved that they are a force to be reckoned with, overcoming De La by 16-points. De La showed significant improvement since the last time these two met, minimising the previous 52-point margin by a mile. With Round 12 on the horizon, can De La bring this heat against the Tigers? Or will SBMT come out well- rested and hungry to settle the scores? With both teams sitting on 12 points, there is no doubt this game will be a close one. Beaumaris will take some key learnings from this game and need to hit the ground running if they are any chance to climb to the top spot and defeat the Uni Blacks.

Old Carey couldn’t keep their streak alive in Round 11 as AJAX defeat the Panthers by 39 points. The Jackers excellence was on show this week with Ben Krongold setting the tone in the middle allowing Toby Sheezel to play his role in front of goal. Adam and Brad Caplan fought hard around the ground emphasising the skill and drive from this side. Old Carey definitely didn’t go down without a fight, clawing back a few points in the 3 rd quarter with a 23-point margin as they entered the final term.

Mitchell Wooffindin’s vital goals alongside Jonathan Marsh’s run and carry through the midfield made The Jackers work for the 4-points. Winning 3 of their last 5 games, AJAX are definitely finals contenders with an all-important match against the Roy’s determining their spot. After the break, Old Carey return home to face Williamstown.

Given a close scoreline in Round One, another win for the Panthers is certainly up for grabs in Round 12. The tables were turned this week, with Old Haileybury giving the Uni Blacks a taste of their own medicine at Melbourne University Oval. The Bloods started this game on the front foot booting 2 goals 3 to Uni Blacks 1 goal 2. From there, despite determination from Charlie Francis through the middle alongside Louis Vescio’s forward line pressure, Uni Blacks were unable to execute their usual performance.

Star recruit Jack Lonie stepped up to the plate providing incredible service to forwards Durras Seccull and Noah Gawn kicking 2 and 3 each. The Bloods continued to show confidence and accuracy through key players Lachlan Treverton and Kye Turner resulting in a final 46-point margin. Old Haileybury have shown glimpses of greatness the past few games and with 4 quarters of controlled footy from all lines this week, it is apparent their hard work on the track is paying off.

Was this the loss the Uni Blacks needed to remind them just how much they desire that return to William Buck Premier? This win provides Beaumaris with an opportunity to steal the top spot in their Round 12 clash against the Blackers at Banksia Reserve. As a reward for their efforts, Old Haileybury will enjoy a three-week break.