Sharks & OGs split points after thrilling buzzer beater

Old Geelong 9.14 (68) drew with Beaumaris 9.14 (68)

A last-gasp behind from James Pepper forced the second draw of the season in Premier B Men’s between Beaumaris and Old Geelong at Como Park. 

After trailing by 18 points early in the last quarter, the OGs looked to have snatched an unlikely victory when they kicked the last three goals of the game to reclaim the lead. 

But amid a congested pack of players, Pepper managed to find space in the forward pocket before his effort hit the post as the siren sounded to tie the scores at 68 apiece. 

The draw moves the Sharks to within half a game of the top four, while Old Geelong, who also played in the other draw earlier this season, remain a full game outside the top four. 

Sharks coach Josh Bourke said that the final result was a fair reflection on the game. 

“We got a little bit lucky at the end,” Bourke said. “We were obviously really strong in the first half, but we didn’t do enough with the ascendancy we had.  

“But then their midfielders grew into the game. When they hit the lead late, I did feel it was backs up against the wall a little bit.  

“I think on the whole day it was probably a fair reflection.”  

 OGs coach Nick Dixon said there were mixed emotions in the aftermath. 

“It was a tale of two halves,” Dixon said. 

“We looked pretty average in the first half. The worst we’ve looked for a while. They let us off the hook with a few behinds and not making us pay. 

“But it was a completely different game after half-time. We defended the ground really well. 

“But anytime you get ahead with the momentum, you’re disappointed from that perspective. I think it’s mixed emotions purely from a points perspective.” 

Ajax 9.12 (66) def by Old Melburnians 14.9 (93)

A six-goal haul from Jack Spargo helped propel Old Melburnians into the top four, defeating second-placed AJAX by 27 points at Gary Smorgon Oval. 

OMs were devastating in front of goal, their first nine scores were all majors, as they cruised to a comfortable win. 

The result lifts the OMs above Old Camberwell into fourth place on the ladder, while the Jackers still remain in second place despite the defeat, but only by percentage.  

OMs coach James Byrne credited his team’s stoppage work as key to securing the win. 

“We were really good in the contest,” Byrne said. “That’s where it started. We went hard at the ball from the start. 

“We played a lot in our half. We did that for large periods of the game, which allowed us to set up behind the ball properly. 

“They got us a couple of times in transition. They move it quite quickly, but we limited that as much as we can.” 

Jackers coach Lachie Buszard said the opposition were just too good on the day. 

“They were just too good and experienced for us,” Buszard said. “They smashed us at the contest, outnumbered us and made us look like a C-Grade side. 

“Credit to Byrnesy and what he is doing with that group. We just could not get the game on our terms, and it was largely played in their half.” 

Old Carey 16.13 (109) def Williamstown CYMS 10.11 (71) 

A pivotal blitz during time-on in the third quarter paved the way for Old Carey to outlast Williamstown CYMS by 38 points at Carey Sport Complex Bulleen on Saturday. 

Having led at both quarter-time and half-time, the CYs were in the contest all day and still held onto a four-point advantage heading into time-on in the third term. 

But three quick goals from the Panthers broke the game open, before going on to add some critical percentage with a big win. 

The Panthers now move to within a game of the top four and, critically, a game-and-a-half clear of the relegation zone, while the CYs remain in last place, a game-and-a-half from safety. 

Panthers coach Luke Giles said he aims to use the second half as a springboard for the rest of the campaign. 

“The second half was what we can hope is a turning point for us,” Giles said. 

“The way we defended and came forward to defend in groups of two or three rather than being reactive without a team defence. 

“We have to be borderline perfect to sneak in (to finals) and be where we want to be at the end of the year, but it’s good to feel like we’re playing for something every week.” 

CYs coach Con Terzoglou said the latter stage of the third term was where the game changed. 

“We were good for two and a half quarters,” Terzoglou said. “I thought it was a pretty close game up until the 20-minute mark of the third term.” 

“They just seemed to be a bit stronger at contested ball situations. They locked us in for 10 minutes and hit the scoreboard. It turned the game around. In hindsight it just deflated us a bit.” 

Old Ivanhoe 8.4 (52) def by Collegians 24.12 (156)

Collegians completed a dozen consecutive victories with a massive 104-point win over Old Ivanhoe on the weekend. 

The Lions were never troubled, setting the tone by kicking the first nine goals of the match.

Will Dean led the way for the Lions with six goals, while Jim Bazzani celebrated his 150th game for the club with 31 disposals and a major. 

Other results at the weekend mean that the Lions now extend their lead to five games on top of the ladder, while the Hoers remain in ninth place and sit a game-and-a-half from safety. 

Collegians coach Jordie McKenzie said his team had winners all over the ground, who all played a role in the win. 

“Our midfield set the tone for the day with a dominant display, highlighted by their work rate and cleanliness,” McKenzie said. 

“The backline was steadfast, conceding another low score. Up forward there were many different avenues to goal, with Will Dean and Zachary Greeves doing the majority of damage on the scoreboard.” 

Hoers coach Xavier Naish said there was a lot to learn from Collegians over the course of the game. 

“Full credit to Collegians, they’re in a sweet spot right now,” Naish said. 

“Their fundamentals are through the roof. They share the ball around, and their stoppage work was so impressive. 

“We did drop our skills, and that’s a credit to their pressure. 

“There were still positives for us to take from the game, so we’ll look to focus on those while still looking at how we can improve.” 

Old Camberwell 10.13 (63) def by De La Salle 16.14 (110)

De La Salle made a case for a spot in this year’s finals series with a big win against fellow top four contender Old Camberwell, securing a 47-point win at Gordon Barnard Reserve. 

After an even first half, De La produced a fine third term, kicking six goals to two to run away with a comfortable win.       

Nicholas Leontaritis led the way with four goals for De La, while Brett Boscacci booted three. Sam Veitch continued his fine form for the Wellers with 33 disposals and 15 clearances. 

De La move up a game clear of Old Camberwell and to third on the ladder as a result, while the Wellers slide outside the top four, behind Old Melburnians on percentage. 

De La coach Nick Hyland said he was thrilled with his team’s second half. 

“The second half was some of the best footy we’ve played all season,” Hyland said. 

“The first half was a bit of an arm wrestle. We had our chances in the first half but didn’t maximise our opportunities. 

“But we started to get ascendancy around the ball, and our ball use was cleaner and more efficient after half-time. 

Wellers coach Neil Connell said the game was decided after his team lost control around the contest. 

“Around the stoppages we managed to get our hands on it enough,” Connell said. “We got it inside 50 but might’ve taken five or six marks up forward for the day. 

“After half-time, we lost control of the ball around stoppages. They were very good at rebounding, and they took their opportunities. 

“They moved the ball well with handball receives and overlap. They got away from us in the third quarter.”