Upsets and resurgence heat up final rounds in Prem C

Ari Paevere

Round 14 of the Premier C Men’s competition brought about significant shifts in the ladder, setting the stage for an exciting climax to the season. With only four rounds remaining, the competition for top spots and securing a place in the finals has intensified, with promising matchups ahead.

Central Reserve – North witnessed an enthralling contest between Mazenod and Old Ivanhoe, both vying to improve their ladder positions. Mazenod needed a victory to solidify their top-four spot, while Old Ivanhoe sought to make a push for the top two.

With just about five minutes left on the clock, the scores were level, and tension was mounting. Then came a pivotal moment when Old Ivanhoe managed a messy inside 50, with the ball being juggled until it found its way to William Murphy in the pocket. Murphy quickly launched the ball towards goal, and with nobody on the goal line, it dribbled over the line and through the big sticks in an incredible display of skill, putting Old Ivanhoe ahead by a goal.

In a nail-biting finish, Old Ivanhoe managed to hold onto their lead, ascending to second place on the ladder. Their impressive surge up the rankings, especially at this crucial juncture of the season, makes them a formidable force, and they are now a team to be reckoned with in the finals.

Mazenod, on the other hand, will undoubtedly feel the disappointment of letting this critical match slip away. Their loss has pushed them out of the top four, and they now face an even tougher battle to secure a spot in the finals.

Another surprising result with significant ramifications on the ladder occurred as the Parkdale Vultures secured a defining victory over PEGS. The match ebbed and flowed, with Parkdale initially taking a commanding six-goal lead at halftime, only to see PEGS claw their way back and lead by two points at the start of the last quarter.

In a quarter that could potentially shape the rest of the season, Parkdale rallied together and unleashed a scoring blitz, netting six goals to secure a commanding 34-point win. Key players like Ryan Macdermid, who scored five goals, along with Max Phillips and Lloyd Bailey, each contributing three goals, proved instrumental in Parkdale’s impressive performance.

The victory propelled Parkdale back into the top four, offering them control over their destiny as they chase a coveted finals spot. On the other hand, PEGS, who had enjoyed a stint at the top spot in the first half of the season, now find themselves in third place, determined to reclaim their earlier position with them only being half a game behind.

In another unexpected upset, Old Carey’s season took a severe hit with a demoralizing loss to Ormond. The match saw Old Carey conceding eight goals in the second quarter to the bottom two team, leaving them virtually no chance of playing finals.

However, the day belonged to Ormond, who celebrated only their second win of the season in emphatic style, with 12 players contributing to the scoreboard. For Ormond, it was a triumphant moment after a challenging year.

Similarly, Marcellin, the other bottom two team, managed to secure a win against the Hampton Rovers, effectively ending the latter’s season as well. In a tightly contested match at Boss James Reserve, Hampton held a slim two-point lead before Josh Posar’s fourth goal of the day sealed the game for Marcellin, who ultimately emerged victorious by four points.

This win takes Marcellin to two wins for the season, while the disappointing loss has made it nearly impossible for Hampton to make it to the finals.

Looking ahead to the next round, Old Camberwell will face the Rovers after their bye, while PEGS will enjoy a week off.

However, the game everyone will be eagerly anticipating is at Chelsworth Park, where Old Ivanhoe will take on Parkdale Vultures. This match is poised to have major ramifications on the ladder, dictating the final rankings. All eyes will be on this high-stakes clash as the excitement intensifies in the Premier C Men’s competition.