Licking our wounds

Rich Hummerston

While we’re all licking our wounds from arguably the hardest week in footy tipping history and silently scolding Diana from accounts payable for her efforts in tipping nine, we can take solace in the fact that the results in Division 4 played out exactly as expected.

It was the old adage where the rich got richer and the poor poorer this week, the great divide between the top and bottom halves of the competition growing larger in the process.

While it’s certainly too early for the last rights to be read to, the alarm bells must be starting to chorus at a few clubs.

North Brunswick played host to Masala, with the gratuities ceasing almost immediately after the first bounce, the Bulls leading from pillar to post, running out very comfortable winners by 70 points. Benjamin Gallagher continued his incredible start to the season with six goals and best on honours. Daniel Nugent and Jarrod Ford were also pretty handy for the Bulls. Masala were inspired by efforts from James Logan and Jordan Toikalkin’s three goals.

The undefeated Cantebury have obviously had the dream start to season 2015, but they’ve also had the dream draw, Manningham their only scalp of potential finals contenders. Their clash against Westbourne Grammarians, on paper, should have been a test, and it was for three quarters, until Canterbury flexed their figurative bicep and quashed their opposition into brutal submission. For a third week in a row, Scott Fitzgerald made light work of his multiple opponents and skipper Ben Peel was simply devastating. Dale Collins kicked seven for the losers and Adam Rompel toiled hard all day.

Chadstone hosted the much maligned South Mornington, and would have fancied themselves to chalk up win number one for the season. Holding onto an unfamiliar and narrow lead going into the second stanza, Jordan Reserve was buzzing. Unfortunately, the slender lead at the first break would be as good as it gets for the much improved Chadstone, down by ten goals at the final siren. Scenes of jubilation exclusively for the Tigers faithful who secured a first senior win for the first time since round 16, 2013.

It was ticketed as the game of the round, and unlike those that forked out the 60 clams for the Mayweather Pacquiao fight last week; the masses that braved the traffic over the Westgate were not disappointed. While Point Cook managed to stretch their lead to five goals at a stage, Box Hill aided with a strong breeze, piled on the goals in the last quarter, and probably should have made Point Cook pay for their woeful inaccuracy in front of goal. Unfortunately for the travelling Box Hill they couldn’t, falling gallantly short by a few kicks at the final bell. For the victors it was Shane Sinclair, Matty Rocco and Mason Kip who took home the vouchers to the local haunts and free haircuts while Dean Templeton, Michael Tilly and Benjamin Marcakis were impressive for Box Hill.

The travelling Parkside doubled their season 2015 victories with a comfortable victory over Mount Lilydale. Parkside jumped out of the box early and created what would be an unassailable lead in the opening minutes of the first quarter. The ever reliable, Shane Mclaren was clinical again, notching up an impressive clearance tally and Liam Bell backed up last week’s solid performance with a best on this week. For the hosts, it was Max Hampton with four goals who was best and Tom Bailey who ensured the loss wasn’t greater.

After throwing in the towel in my AFL tipping, my undivided attention is now with Division 4, and I’m licking my lips this week, very bullish I’ll tip the card this week.

Box Hill North make the trip out to Noble Park, and while Masala are improving exponentially each week, the task will be too great, Box Hill to come home with the points.

Canterbury host Chadstone and the ladder leaders will easily account for their guests.

While a 90-minute journey seems inconceivable in a metropolitan football league, that’s the challenge the boys from way out west face as they fuel up their Hilux’s and drive from one peninsular to another. Unfortunately for South Mornington, they journey will do little to quash a rampant Point Cook. Point Cook comfortably here.

Manningham will be better for the break, but not sure they’re up to the task as they host North Brunswick in the game of the round.

Westbourne, with a host of big names out last week performed admirably last week against Canterbury and will look to atone for their defeat. They should run out comfortable winners against the ailing Parkside.

Masala v Box Hill North

Canterbury v Chadstone

South Mornington v Point Cook

Manningham v North Brunswick

Westbourne Gr v Parkside