Premier C: Hoes slip past gutsy Therry

By James Ried – @jamesried9

A courageous Therry Penola pushed Old Ivanhoe to its limit until falling to defeat in the final moments. The Lions clutched onto the lead with four minutes remaining before the Hoes kicked two important goals to take back the lead and steal the four points. Elsewhere, Monash Blues were tested by a rejuvenated Williamstown CYMS and took a four quarter performance for the Blues to get over the line. Old Haileyburians let its firm grasp on fourth spot slip as Marcellin made light work of the Bloods at Marcellin College. Old Camberwell escaped the relegation zone for now with a win over last placed PEGS. Peninsula closed within one game of a top four position with a comfortable victory against Oakleigh.

Therry Penola would take comfort knowing they can still push quality teams to the final siren, but in the end it wasn’t enough to beat Old Ivanhoe. The Lions had the lead at both the second and third quarters – a 10 point advantage going into the fourth term. Although in a low scoring game, four goals to one in the last was enough to get the Hoes over the line by nine. Robert Glavas kicked three in the win whilst Oliver Parks was best on ground. Brenton Egglestone’s return to Therry Penola’s line-up almost proved the game winning move against Old Ivanhoe. He kicked three goals in his return, but as the only multiple goal scorer, it wasn’t enough to take the win home. The loss forces Therry Penola into the relegation zone with four games remaining.

Monash Blues also endured a four quarter slog at Frearson Oval against Williamstown CYMS before emerging victorious. The Blues got the early jump on the CYs with a 13-point lead to end the first. The margin didn’t exceed two goals in the next two quarters as Williamstown stuck with its top two opposition. Much like the game prior, Monash lit up the last quarter putting five past the CYs to hold out a 26-point win against good opposition. Andrew Young was named best afield in Monash’s victory. Williamstown currently have a two-game advantage on those below in relegation – one more win could keep them safe this season.

Marcellin put Old Haileyburians’ finals spot in jeopardy in a crushing 65-point victory over the Bloods. The Eagles increased its advantage at each break, as the ladder-leaders didn’t give the Bloods a sniff. A 22-point lead at halftime became 40 at the final change. 11 goal kickers to Haileybury’s meagre four showed the difference in firepower from first to fourth. Michael Abrahams took best on ground honours for his efforts and also kicked a goal. Old Haileybury now must fight off Peninsula in the last month of the season if they hope to play finals.

The two lowly placed clubs PEGS and Old Camberwell fought it out as both had the opportunity to emerge with a rare victory. PEGS earned the advantage in the first term kicking four goals to one before the Wellers closed the distance at the main break to 12-points. PEGS battled after halftime managing only one goal in the second half. Old Camberwell took a one-point ascendancy in the third then kicked away with four more in the last quarter. Trent Skurrie’s four majors wasn’t enough for PEGS to win, whilst the Wellers’ shared the spoils, including best on recipient Harry Crothers getting on the end of one.

Peninsula insured there would be only one other contender to the top four as they crushed Oakleigh Krushers’ finals hopes at home. The Pirates made the statement in the opening quarter with five goals, and did so again in the second, tallying on another five and keeping Oakleigh goalless. 10 more majors for Peninsula substantially ended hopes of an Oakleigh resurgence, as they had no answer to the Pirates’ six multiple goal scorers. The final siren couldn’t sound quick enough for the Krushers as they lost by 94 points. Stefan Barbour led all comers with four goals and James Fletcher was B.O.G for Peninsula.

This week, Old Ivanhoe face Peninsula at home, the Hoes will be tested once again but expect them to win at Chelsworth Park. Williamstown CYMS host Old Camberwell, and I’m predicting the CY’s to hold onto the points. First plays second as Marcellin travels to Monash Blues. Home ground advantage sways the tip in Monash’s favour with a golden chance to claim top spot. Therry Penola plays Old Haileyburians, a must win if the Bloods are to play finals. They’ll take the points in a close one. Oakleigh is pitted against PEGS to round out the fixtures. I’m predicting that the Krushers will get back on the winners’ list.

Tips:

Old Ivanhoe v Peninsula
Williamstown CYMS v Old Camberwell
Monash Blues v Marcellin
Therry Penola v Old Haileyburians
Oakleigh v PEGS