Not much left on the table as big wins in abundance in Premier C

Raj Johnston

The numbers have been crunched as Round 3 saw a big average winning margin of 67 points in Premier C. Hampton Rovers, Old Carey and the Parkdale Vultures did not leave much on the table as they thrashed their oppositions and boosted their percentages.

The Hampton Rovers continued their unbeaten start with a big away win to the Monash Blues. Both teams performed well in the first quarter, with Monash kicking the first three goals followed by Hampton kicking the next three.

The Rovers turned a 2-point quarter time lead into a 22-point lead at half time, and only got more dominant as the game went on, finishing with a 67 point victory and sitting in a dominant spot on top of the ladder in Premier C. William Crawford and Jamie Delaney each kicked three goals for Hampton.

Mazenod had a day to forget, going down to Old Carey by 121 points at the Carey Sports Complex. Both teams were unbeaten prior to this game and no doubt were aware that the winner would send a strong statement to the rest of Premier C.

Ultimately, Old Carey overwhelmingly exceeded in this task, dominating at all stages of the day. If not for some inaccuracy from Old Carey, the scoreboard may have read much worse for Mazenod. Riley Thompson continued his positive start to the season, kicking five goals for Old Carey, whilst Mazenod’s Jarryd Raffa stood up for his team in tough circumstances, contributing two goals.

AJAX recorded their third-straight victory of the season, defeating PEGS by 26 points. The Jackas brilliant first-quarter meant it was always going to be hard for PEGS to catch them, and despite three goals to PEGS at the start of the second quarter to tighten the margin, AJAX continued to apply pressure and in particular had an explosive third quarter.

Jack Fenner kept his strong form going with three goals for PEGS, whilst Justin Vogel, Dov Paltiel were best on for AJAX, and Richie Simon starred with five goals. This win sees Ajax only 1.52% out of first position as they look to cement their place up the top of the ladder of their new grade, whilst PEGS sit in sixth spot with the one win to their name.

The Parkdale Vultures recorded another mighty win, claiming the four points against Oakleigh with a 100-point victory. Whilst Oakleigh started well with a quick goal, Parkdale responded in blitzing style, kicking the next six majors, and by the time half-time came around, the Vultures had worked up a mammoth 64-point lead.

Unfortunately for Oakleigh, things went from bad to worse as Parkdale recorded nine goals in the second half whilst Oakleigh only managed another four. Lloyd Bailey impressed with five goals for the Vultures. Oakleigh will enter Round 4 yet to win a game since being promoted to Premier C, whilst Parkdale sit in third, albeit with the strongest percentage of all teams.

Glen Eira/Old McKinnon defeated Marcellin by 22 points in what was their first win since being promoted to Premier C in a tight contest at Packer Park. Marcellin started with a bang, scoring five unanswered goals in the first quarter, three of those going to Adam Tomaro.

Something needed to change for Glen Eira, and they immediately responded, reducing the deficit to just 11-points at half-time. With such a small margin separating the two teams, Glen Eira figured that this was their opportunity to keep the momentum going and claim their first win of 2024, in front of their home crowd. The Gryphons lead by 1-point at three-quarter time and managed to retain and extend that lead throughout the final term, in what was a much needed victory to get them on the board with their first win.

Round 4 should create some breathing space on the ladder with two teams remaining undefeated, and two teams yet to register a win.

Kicking off the weekend, AJAX host Glen Eira/Old McKinnon at Princes Park in Caulfield. Whilst this game might not seem overly enticing on paper, it is early days and Glen Eira will be looking to replicate some of their fantastic form from Division 1 last season to challenge one of the best sides in Premier C.

PEGS make the trip to Bulleen to play Old Carey. A win for PEGS will see them edging closer to the top four.

Mazenod play host to the undefeated Hampton Rovers at Central Reserve. After a tough loss in Round 3, Mazenod will need to lift against this well built side.

Elsewhere, Oakleigh host Monash Blues at Scammell Reserve which will see one team record their first win of the season, and Parkdale Vultures will come up against Marcellin which should be a competitive game.