Beaumaris remain bridesmaids while Tigers bounce back from a five game drought

Eliza Wright

The cream rose to the top in Premier B Men’s round 12 as teams set out to solidify their spot on the ladder. In a nail-biting top-of-the-table clash, the Uni Blacks overpowered Beaumaris by 38 points meanwhile Fitzroy kept their finals hopes alive, defeating AJAX by 12 points. St Bedes/Mentone Tigers broke their dry spell in their victory over De La Salle and Williamstown proved their might against Old Carey.

The Aquarium played host to an all-important match between the Uni Blacks and Beaumaris. The Sharks were off to a flying start keeping the Blackers to a mere 3 points in the opening term. Connor Murphy and Ben Mathews showed their strength and speed around the ground meanwhile Josh Ward and Connor Murphy capitalised down forward. Despite hard work from key forward Austin Steere, the Sharks remained in front, ahead by 22 points at the halftime siren. The second half saw the Uni Blacks lift, with Campbell Moorfield leading by example, reminding the Blackers of the significance of this battle. Jordan Quaile’s three pivotal goals alongside resolve from James Sansom saw the Uni Blacks grapple the momentum of this game. Even with strong winds effecting accuracy in front of goal, the Uni Blacks proved that they are the team to beat, with a final score of 13.17- 95 to 8.9-57. It is likely this game solidifies the Uni Blacks on the top of the ladder, needing an upset victory to knock them off their perch. Looking to next week, the Blackers host Fitzroy at Melbourne University Oval meanwhile The Sharks head to Gary Smorgon Oval to face AJAX.

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers silenced the neigh sayers this week after triumphing over De La Salle. SBMT got to work at Brindisi Oval, hungry to change the tide of their last five games. Michael Barnes solidified himself as an asset for the Tigers as did Ben Goodchild with his composure through the forward line. An exceptional third quarter and an increased intensity from Christopher Mangoni saw SBMT stretch their lead to 33 points, only conceding a minor score. De La’s defensive pressure stepped up in the final term with 250 gamer Sam Williams and William Mackie giving the Tigers a taste of their own medicine. Unfortunately, one final push for victory from Campbell Bedfordand and Michael Schwab proved too late as SBMT held onto their 12-point lead. With a favourable run home for the Tigers, are they a chance to sneak into the top four? Next week will certainly provide some more answers as SBMT verse Old Carey at the Carey Sports Complex. No rest for De La Salle as they face Old Haileybury in round 13. Fresh off a long break, all eyes will be on the Bloods as they must work hard to retain their third position.

In an all-around team effort, Fitzroy were able to settle their score against AJAX. Fitzroy made the most of their home ground, as Jack Wotherspoon and Daniel Megennis moved the ball exceptionally from end to end. Ted Clayton was firing on all cylinders with his two key goals and forward line accuracy. Heath Ramshaw also brought the heat, aiding the Roys to keep control of the ball at each stoppage. AJAX were determined to claw their way back into the game in the third term as Kane Nissenbaum and Nicholas Lewis and their determination provided pivotal momentum for the Jackers. Composure and leadership from Jack Hart ultimately kept the Jackers at bay resulting in a 12-point victory being awarded to the Roys. Both teams have lots to prove in the coming weeks, with the rat race for 4^th sport just getting started.  Round 13 will certainly not make it easy for either side as Fitzroy will come up against the Uni Blacks and AJAX verse Beaumaris.

Williamstown CYMS secure themselves another four points in their 54-point victory against Old Carey. Old Carey remained competitive in the first quarter trailing by 4 points. Anthony Caminiti played his role in font of goals alongside Daniel Clarke in his 50^th game for the Panthers. A healthy breeze saw Williamstown run away with the game, heading into the half time break in front by 44 points. Daly Andrews earned his stripes, with his exceptional debut meanwhile an outstanding six goals Jack Noonan secured his spot amongst CY’s best. Efforts from Liam Conway and Bradley Tucker kicking 2 and 4 respectively contributed to Williamstown’s victory with a final score of 18.13-121 to Old Carey 10.7-67. With uncertainty surrounding regrading, can Williamtown end the year on a high note and avoid relegation? Their round 13 bye will certainly help their case and give them time to prepare to face the premiership contenders in the coming weeks. Unfortunately for Old Carey its back to the drawing board, as they look forward to St Bedes/Mentone Tigers next week.