West Brunswick win in a nail biter as Bears secure a win down south

Ben Black

Prahran took on UHS-VU on Saturday; a game that was expected to be a close encounter, and it was just that. Both teams started strongly with Prahran taking the main ascendancy throughout the game as they took a lead at every term. Prahran midfielder and weapon Matt Clifford once again showed whose boss on a football field kicking four goals. Clifford’s ability to convert this season has highlighted him as one of the prominent midfielders of the Div 1 comp. UHS didn’t lose hope though as they were able to keep up for a good portion of the game. Paddy Wernert, Harrison Kenndey shining lights for the UHS side as they looked to try and regain the momentum for the young side but just fell short. Prahran coming away with the win in the end 15.11 101 to UHS 8.8 56.

The inform Kew FC Bears travelled south to take on the Old Peninsula Pirates at Harry Mcdonald Oval. Kew really took the game on from the second quarter onwards as Lachie Brown and Matt Sharkey were strong down forward to help Kew to a commanding win. The Pirates were not able to wrestle back the momentum during the game as they struggled to convert on the scoreboard. In saying that the pirates did have some loyal soldiers in their team with Peacock and Baczyk named in their best in the clash. Kew Bears’ winning streak increases to 4 wins in a row, winning 11.19 85 to Old Pens 6.7 43.

West Brunswick took on Preston at the Ransford Oval on Saturday. The magpies were under siege early as the Bullants took the early head start to their game leading at half time by a goal. Conor Howard and Liam Mcloed were instrumental for the Bullants early on, leading the way for the Bullants to hopefully snatch a win. However, the Magpies came steaming home with a resurgence as they looked to push on for a victory. Goals to Hutchins, Wall and Buckler helped the Magpies over the line in an absolute thriller, winning by six points over the Bullants.

Big matchup between Oakleigh and Therry Penola, with the excitement building from the week leading in. Both key forwards in Eddie Standish and Kane O’Halloran, put on goal kicking masterclass in what was a very high-scoring game. O’Halloran just getting the better of the two, kicking 6 to Standish’s 5 goals. When push came to shove, it was the Krushers booting seven goals in the second term to put them ahead that really cemented their dominance in the game. But the Lions didn’t throw in the towel, despite trailing, posting a commendable final score of 89. Ultimately, the Oakleigh Krushers got the win by 27 points.

Will anyone stop the Glen Eira Gryphons this season? They are looking like the Melbourne FC of 2021. They hosted Ivanhoe at Packer Park in a twilight special and really put the sword to Ivanhoe from the start, keeping them goalless to midway of the second term. Daniel McDonald put on a goal kicking masterclass and a best on ground performance booting five goals. which was able to put the nail in the coffin for the magpies. Ivanhoe did have some handy contributions from Moran and Muscat as they aimed to try stem the flow of the Gryphons onslaught. This wasn’t enough as Glen Eira secured the victory and went to 6-0 for Season 2023.