The Bulls outshine Masala in stunning victory as St Johns survives a shark scare

Billy Bolch

The first match of the round saw the season’s two top sides battle it out in what was tipped by many to be the match of the round. Both North Brunswick and Masala started off relatively strong and confident, but it was the Bulls with the home-ground advantage that led at quarter time by 2 goals. The second quarter saw the Bulls begin to quickly extend their lead over the Tigers as they had an outstanding 6 goal to 1 quarter to take a 50-point lead into half-time.

After the break the Tigers began to enact their spicy brand of football with 3 goals, however, the Bulls were able to match it with their own physical game with 3 goals of their own to maintain a 51-point lead with a quarter to play. The Bulls were then able to completely run away with the win in dominant fashion pouring on 9 goals in the final quarter to win in extremely convincing fashion by 90 points.

Multiple goalkickers for the Bulls included Andrew Ramzy (5), Nicholas Watson (4), Adam Tsardakis (3), Jareth Ombiga (2) and Simon Woodward (2). Brandon Kelly kicked 4 goals for the Tigers with Zac Pahos contributing with 2 goals and teammates Sean Downes, Henry Kuner, Conor Galvin and Luke Broomhall all kicking a goal each. Amongst the best for the Bulls were Nicholas Watson, Luke Russell and Spencer Zahra. Amongst the best for the Tigers were Jordan Gibbon, Brandon Kelly and Conor Galvin.

The Bulls will look to continue their winning ways as they face off against Eley Park. Masala will look to rebound as they face Albert Park, a side they met earlier in the year in a competitive matchup.

The second match of the round saw Box Hill North take on Albert Park. The first quarter saw both teams try to figure out their opponents’ game-plan. As the siren sounded to end the first quarter, the Demons held a 10-point lead over the Falcons. In the second quarter, both teams put their foot on the accelerator and were able to hit the scoreboard, with the Demons kicking 4 and the Falcons kicking 3. This slight edge saw the Demons take a 16-point lead into the major break.

The third quarter saw the Demons really utilise the advantage of their fast and athletic play as they were able to add another 3 goals (albeit from 10 scoring shots), whilst keeping the Falcons goalless to take a 38-point lead into the final quarter. The Demons then finished off the Falcons with a 4-goal to 2 final quarter to leave with a very convincing 52-point win, putting them right on the heels of Masala and the desired double chance.

Multiple goal kickers for the Demons included Michael Trkulja (4), Blake Williams (2) and Jake Dullard (2). Joshua Beets was the only multiple-goal scorer for the Falcons with 4 majors. Sam Lee and Felix Metz also hit the scoreboard for the Falcons with 1 goal each. Among the best for the Falcons were Michael Trkulja, Corey Bull and Thomas Rickard. Among the best for the Falcons were Alexander Evans, Felix Metz and Henry Olive. Box Hill North will look to improve on their record as they face a tough matchup in St Johns. Albert Park will look to rebound as they play host to Masala in only their second home game of the season to date.

The final match of Round 7 saw St Johns and Eley Park fight to the very end where both teams sought a much-needed win. St Johns got off to a quick start against the Sharks with a 5-goal to 2 first quarter which saw them take an 18-point lead into quarter time. The second quarter saw the Sharks begin to swarm as they were able to add 2 goals onto their tally whilst keeping the JOCS to a single goal, reducing the St Johns lead to just 9 points.

The third quarter was the most defensive one in the game as both teams battled it out trying to gain any advantage they could. It was the JOCS that were able to gain a slight advantage kicking 2 goals to 1 to hold a small 13-point lead with a final quarter of football to play. In the final quarter, the Sharks stepped right onto the accelerator adding 3 goals to their tally, however, the JOCS was just able to hold on with 2 goals of their own, escaping a scare with a 7-point win.

Tom Johnston was the only multiple goal-scorer for the Sharks with 4 goals with other goal-kickers including Marc Rosato, Kane Scanlon, Drew Crawford and Andrew Yeo. Multiple goal scorers for the JOCS were Nicholas Terrill (2), Kailum Newland (2) and Matthew De Poilly (2). The best for the Sharks were Will Male, Zachary Hayes and Jacob Rose. The best for the JOCS were Terry Van Horick, Baiden Harris and Jayke Tuplin. The Sharks will look to bring that same pressure again as they face the divisions toughest in North Brunswick. St Johns will now host Box Hill North in what should be a good test against a fast opposition.