Kew get revenge over UHS, Pirates stun the Two Blues

Ben Black

Eight rounds of Division 1 Men’s football so far and winter is here. Kew are back on the winners list after a massive crowd turned out at Victoria Park and the Pirates secured the four points in a much-needed win over Prahran.

Old Peninsula vs Prahran

Well hasn’t this season delivered some crazy games! The pirates really were eager to get this one on the board and bring their season tally to 4-4, slotting into 6th on the ladder. Surprisingly the Pirates jumped out of the starting gates early, piling on nearly eight goals in the first term which set the Pirates up to have a real crack at securing a win. Jake Lovett and Bailey Payze were superb in the opening half with blistering pace and their ability to convert, which helped Old Peninsula with their fast start. For the Two Blues on the other hand, it was not the start they would have liked. Piling on 4.9 at half time, unfortunately set the tone for Prahran’s afternoon. Journeyman James Musster put in the hard yards all game for Prahran, being one of their best, and Matt kicked two goals to give Prahran a chance. But it was the Pirates that really set the foundation of the game in the first term, putting them an arms-length away from the Two Blues all game, that gave them the win.

Kew vs UHS-VU

Before we review this matchup, it is only fitting that we recognise Michael Henderson, a 3x Premiership senior footballer and now a 200-game legend of the Kew Bears. Well done Hendo on a great career to date.

How sweet is revenge… That’s what the Kew Bears would be feeling right now after they had a sell out at Victoria Park for their annual Players Day function and the 2013 premiership reunion. The game started reasonably slowly with both teams slugging it out in heavy conditions where the Bears started with two early goals in the first term through Jeremy Hannon and Lachlan James. The second term saw Kew take a bit of breathing space over their opposition as they piled on five goals, Ted Thornely lit up Victoria Park with a suburb two goals in a minute. Half time saw them take a five-goal lead. UHS then decided to take the game on. Brandon Jackson and Jacob Hunt proved why they are so important to this line-up kicking pivotal goals to keep UHS in the game. The last quarter saw the Bears run away with the game as Regan Smith put on a show with three goals in the last term to really sink UHS’s chance of winning the game. The Bears ultimately coming away with a seven-goal win, taking them to third position.

Ivanhoe vs Therry Penola

The Lions travelled down to Ivanhoe for their clash against the Magpies at Ivanhoe Park. A win would secure the Lions chances of being in touching distance to finals and a loss would make them slip.

The game started very slowly with only two goals between the two teams at quarter time proving it was a very contested ball in the midfield. Michael Doyle and Daniel Jones provided the backbone for Ivanhoe in the first term, being able to get plenty of the ball. The Lions then launch, kicking the next three goals with Brenton Egglestone being a vital player for the Lions, and giving Darcy Ryan and Kane O’Halloran first looks inside fifty to kick ahead. This lead could have been much worse, but the Lions were inaccurate, kicking 14 behinds. Despite the strong fight from Ivanhoe, the game petered out to a four-goal victory to the Lions, whose season is left at 4-4 whilst magpies are 1-7.

Glen Eira vs West Brunswick

Well nine rounds in and Glen Eira is still undefeated and looks invincible. Daniel McDonald proved why he is one of Division 1’s best forwards, kicking five goals, which set the Gryphons up for a convincing win in the end. A five-goal opening term lead by McDonald, with handy support from Jack Richardson and Tim Richardson were some of the best in delivering yet another consecutive victory for the Gryphons. The Magpies however, shouldn’t be underestimated, as they did challenge Glen Eira in some areas up to half time through Josh Elston and Max Risstrom providing some contests to help West Brunswick in the game. The Gryphons showed why they are the benchmark for the comp as they stormed their way to a ten goal lead to finish the game winning 127 to 46.

Oakleigh vs Preston

Oakleigh took on Preston at the W.A Scammell Reserve on Saturday. A game that was rather deceiving at the quarter time break with only four points in it; the Oakleigh Krushers leading by a narrow margin. What happened next was an absolute rampage, giving Oakleigh the upper hand for the rest of the game. Spectators had front row seats to the Aaron Cloke show. The Krushers superstar full forward plundered a bag of ten goals which set the crowd alight. This number of goals puts Cloke back into the front runner position for the comp’s leading goal kicker; well on-track to reach his top-scoring total of 75 from last season. The Bullants were just blown out of the water, and they were not able to recover from it. Patrick Davies kicked three handy goals, a stalwart for his team for most of the game. Nathan Douglas showed why he is one of Preston’s best players for 2023. The Krushers coming away with a comfortable win 133 to 44.

No Football this weekend due to the King’s Birthday. We will have to wait until June 17^th for Round 9.

Prahran are home to Glen Eira; should be a cracker. Prahran hoping to get back on the winners list for Round 9. Will the Gryphons make it 9-0… time will tell.

Old Peninsula are away to West Brunswick. This will be another big one. Will the Pirates get there fifth win for the season or will the Magpies swoop to take the points?

Therry Penola are home to Kew FC, both coming off wins. Will Kew be able to secure back-to-back wins to cement them as a real contender, or will the Lions come and put on a show for their home crowd?

Preston is away to UHS-VU. The Bullants take on the 4th place UHS; will the Bullants get on the winners list for 2023 or will UHS get back on the winners list and bank another four points?

Oakleigh are home to Ivanhoe. Fresh off a commanding victory, will the Krushers back it up with another win and continue their dominance in the top two on the ladder or will the magpies cause an upset?