Old Camberwell locks in top spot as epic race for top two heats up

Round 17 of the Premier C Men’s competition has not only crowned the minor premiers but also paved the way for an electrifying Round 18, brimming with anticipation and intrigue.

In a contested first half between Old Camberwell and Marcellin, the scales tipped dramatically in Old Camberwell’s favor during the second half. A remarkable seven-goal surge, in contrast to Marcellin’s solitary goal, propelled Old Camberwell to a resounding 49-point victory.

Jay Kennedy-Harris emerged as a standout player, delivering a remarkable five goals for Old Camberwell. This decisive win has now firmly secured their well-deserved minor premiership for the 2023 season in the Premier C Men’s competition.

However, for Marcellin, this contest represented a missed opportunity—one that could have solidified their escape from the specter of relegation. The looming Round 18 clash against Old Carey takes on added significance, as they may now require a victory to entirely avert the relegation scenario.

While Old Camberwell finds themselves primed for an impactful finals series, they have one final tune-up against Parkdale in Round 18. Although this fixture may serve as a preview for the finals, it bears noting that the outcome will not alter the positions of either team on the ladder.

Meanwhile, Old Ivanhoe and PEGS both managed to secure vital victories against bottom three teams, setting the stage for a monumental showdown in Round 18.

This contest will determine who secures a coveted top two position, earning the privilege of a qualifying final against Old Camberwell with the safety net of a second chance or, alternatively, the prospect of an elimination final against the in-form Parkdale.

Old Ivanhoe faced off against Old Carey in a game they controlled from start to finish. Holding a 21-point lead at three-quarter time, Old Ivanhoe managed to keep Old Carey scoreless in the final quarter while adding three goals of their own to seal a commanding 40-point victory.

Luke Scuderi and William Murphy were standout performers for Old Ivanhoe, each contributing three goals.

Old Carey, on the other hand, looks to conclude the season on a positive note as they prepare to take on Marcellin in their final match of the season.

PEGS, in their encounter against Ormond, maintained control throughout the match as well to secure a convincing 45-point win. PEGS demonstrated a well-rounded, team-focused performance, with nine different players contributing goals.

Like Marcellin, Ormond missed an opportunity to make their bid for avoiding relegation less challenging. Now, they face a must-win situation in Round 18 against the Hampton Rovers to potentially climb out of the bottom of the ladder and steer clear of relegation.

The final fixture of the round unfolded as a high-scoring spectacle between Mazenod and the Hampton Rovers. Although neither team is set for finals this year, they displayed their intent to contend in the 2024 season with an entertaining contest.

After a competitive first three quarters, the Rovers held a 21-point lead at three-quarter time, launching a remarkable seven-goal barrage in the final quarter to secure an impressive 51-point victory. Mazenod’s season has now come to a close with them having a bye in the final round.

Christian Carnovale, Max Van Der Straaten, and Liam O’Driscoll all played pivotal roles, each contributing three goals in the Rovers’ triumph.

With one round remaining, there’s still plenty at stake in Premier Men’s C.