Ari Paevere
In a riveting clash that unfolded with breathtaking moments, the game between the Parkdale Vultures and Old Camberwell kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
After five stunning goals from Ryan Macdermid and with just minutes left on the clock, the Parkdale Vultures were within reach of their biggest win of the season against Old Camberwell. Holding a tight 5-point lead, victory seemed imminent. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Camberwell had one final chance to snatch the game from the Vultures.
As the ball went up, 20 meters out from Camberwell’s goal, a whistle blew, signaling a free kick for their very own Riley Verbi who had been held. After already having an outstanding day on the field, Verbi stepped up with remarkable composure and slotted the goal, putting Camberwell ahead by a single point.
With time rapidly running out, the Vultures managed to launch a desperate kick inside their attacking 50. However, their hopes were dashed as Liam Thomas of Camberwell took a crucial intercept mark, sealing the deal for his team and ensuring their escape from defeat.
Parkdale will have two weeks to reflect on the heart-wrenching loss as they head into their bye in Round 9. Barely clinging onto their top 4 spot, they will need to regroup and come back stronger. On the other hand, Camberwell solidified their position in the top 4 with the win.
In another pivotal match, the Hampton Rovers secured a much-needed 29-point win against Old Carey to inject new life into their season, as they now sit just 6 points shy of the coveted top 4. Nathan Smith’s five goals for the Rovers contributed significantly to their win.
Old Carey, with a perplexing 2-3-2 record, finds themselves stuck in the middle of the ladder. Both teams will have to turn their fortunes around quickly in the second half of the season to make a serious bid for a higher position.
The undefeated, top-placed PEGS found themselves in control for most of the day against second-last placed Ormond. Despite their control, they only managed a 24-point victory after a monstrous 6-goal final quarter from the underdogs.
Riley Simmons was instrumental for PEGS, contributing four goals to their tally. Ormond, with only one win and a draw to their name, will need to replicate their final quarter performance throughout the remainder of the season if they aim to secure an unlikely spot in the finals.
Old Ivanhoe overcame a 5-point deficit at quarter time to dominate Marcellin, ultimately securing a commanding 70-point victory. Luke Scuderi’s five goals for Ivanhoe played a pivotal role in solidifying their position in the top 4.
Marcellin now finds themselves at the bottom of the ladder and must quickly turn their season around to have any hope of contending for a top 4 finish.
Looking ahead, Round 9 promises to bring back the excitement after a week off due to the King’s Birthday Weekend.
The highly anticipated game between Old Ivanhoe Grammarians and PEGS, a top-of-the-table clash, will take place at Chelsworth Park. This game is expected to be one of the season’s most thrilling encounters, as both teams vie for dominance and a solid footing heading into the second half of the year.
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