Top four defined

James Ried

For the first time this season an outright top four has been defined. With wins to Peninsula, Monash, Marcellin and Old Ivanhoe, all four move to 4-1 and create a gap on their Premier C counterparts. On the other end of the spectrum, Old Camberwell and PEGS continue to search for their opening win of the season. While Therry Penola keep in touching distance with the top teams, defeating their Division 1 rivals Williamstown CYMS in the Grand Final rematch in a come from behind victory.

Monash Blues secured the early edge over the struggling PEGS in the first term, catapulting the lead to a healthy, percentage-boosting victory. The Blues bagged six majors in the first quarter – equivalent to PEGS’ final score – and added 11 more before the final siren. PEGS were unable to keep up with Monash’s heavy-handed attack despite Robert Baddeley’s three goals. Monash proved they have quality all across the field with a solid defence to go along with their 10 goal kickers. Cameron, Rossetti and Hardiman the major contributors up forward with three majors each, while Joseph Cosgriff was best on ground in the 80 point win.

Peninsula was in a similar boat to Monash as they came up against the battling side in Old Camberwell. The Pirates took advantage of this and got back onto the winners list in emphatic fashion with a 107 point thrashing. With eleven goals to one in the first term, the game ended as a contest there, as the question became how much will Peninsula win by. The Pirates broke the 100-mark by three-quarter-time and it could have got even uglier for the Wellers, but a minor fight back in the last kept the scoreboard from blowing out. James Fletcher was best on for Peninsula while Harry Whitty led the goal kicking with four majors in a consummate team performance.

Old Haileyburians were on the receiving end of a reality check last weekend as Marcellin outlined the difference between third and fifth. Old Haileybury had a first quarter to forget and it evidently cost them the game. Marcellin made the Bloods look second rate with a ten goal to one opening quarter as the Eagles jumped away. Old Haileybury tried to pull back the margin in the remaining quarters but could never put a true dent into the deficit. The Eagles’ forward duo, Daniel McMahon (5) and Andrew McKay (4) had the Bloods’ backs under wraps while Ashley Viney led from the front in a B.O.G performance to secure a 66 point victory.

It took a half for Old Ivanhoe to settle in with the blustery wind flowing across the ground at Oakleigh, but after the major break the Hoes made their mark. The Krushers were solid in the first half, adapting to the local conditions quicker and made it known on the scoreboard with five goals in the opening term. Ivanhoe chipped into Oakleigh’s advantage in the second to pull it to a two point margin. After halftime however it was all one way as Old Ivanhoe kicked nine more majors to run away with a convincing 45 point win. In the end the scoreboard wasn’t a reflection of the contest as Old Ivanhoe proved inaccurate in front of goal. Bradley Thompson kicked five for Old Ivanhoe while Carl Groth was a headache for Oakleigh up forward and on the ball, ending with three majors and best on ground honours.

In the Division 1 Grand Final rematch Williamstown CYMS looked set to not only once again knock off Therry Penola, but also to regain some much needed momentum in Premier C. But the CY’s couldn’t repeat their 2014 happy ending in 2015, as Therry Penola bounced back from a three-quarter-time deficit to take the four points. The Bannister brothers, Jarrod and Corey couldn’t make an impact against Williamstown last year in Division 1, however, they proved the difference this time round with nine goals between the two. Captain Jarrod Egglestone’s top form and grunt in the midfield continued, setting up an 11 point win over their old rivals.

This week, Williamstown CYMS host Old Haileyburians, the CY’s have slipped to 1-4 and will be desperate to get back into the winner’s circle. However, tipping the Bloods to earn the points away from home. Marcellin plays Therry Penola at home, and I expect the Eagles to get the win. Oakleigh travels to PEGS and will rebound from last weeks defeat and secure the victory. Peninsula combat Old Ivanhoe, both are 4-1 coming into the game, and I am predicting Peninsula to hold off Ivanhoe at home in the match of the round. Old Camberwell, desperate for a win, takes on Monash Blues, but I can’t see the Wellers having enough firepower to hold off the Blues.

Tips

Williamstown CYMS v Old Haileyburians

Marcellin v Therry Penola

PEGS v Oakleigh

Peninsula v Old Ivanhoe

Old Camberwell v Monash Blues