Match of the Round week lived up to expectations in Division 4

By Gav Southern – @GavSouthern

Our “match of the round” week really showcased what Divvy 4 has to offer with 3 of the 4 matches being decided by under 4 goals. The Rams were not only stole the match but, also 3rd. Masala showed it was no fluke with another 100+ pt win. The Warrior camp survived a massive scare from the Doggies whilst, Manningham’s fast start was too much of a hurdle for the Bulls. To last week’s games:

Masala Def Chadstone  

Masala hosted Chadstone at WJ Turner reserve, ready and expecting the Synners to come out hard. The Tigers had other ideas as they started strong with a 5 goal to 1 first quarter, which had the Synners again on the back foot. The 2nd quarter saw clean movement from the backline, strong control by the midfield and a hard leading forward line. The Tigers went into the long break leading by 83 points. To Chaddy’s credit, they came out guns blaring in the 3rd and kicked 5 goals to 4. However the Tigers streamed away in the last with 5 goals to run out 113 pt victors. Congrats to Masala’s Wayne McMahon (2 goals & BOG) for reaching 50 games. Samuel Freeman led with 6 goals, Matt Decarne (4) and Scott Becker was strong in defence all day. For the Synners, Will “Nugget” Hutchinson had his best game for the club with 2 goals, Brett “Have you see my pic on the VAFA website?” Cooney, Dave Bennett and Daniel “Daffy” Cumming, were also amongst the best.

Manningham Def North Brunswick

I was expecting a repeat performance and that’s what we got. After Manningham’s 6-1 opening term in Round 2 against the Bulls, they were determined to repeat this at home and it went to plan with a six-goal to one-point first quarter which really set up the day. From that point on, it was an uphill battle for the Bulls (again) but, despite winning the next 2 quarters they weren’t able to dent the lead past the 4 goal buffer. Manningham’s score of 67, is their 2nd lowest winning score for the year with their lowest (64) also being against the Bulls. For North Brunswick, only Paul Notaro could fire with 4 goals and Simon Mair was the Bulls best. Camron Terpsinis was BOG for the Cobras whilst Anthony Raso (4 goals) and Chris Jolly (3) hammered the scoreboard. 

Mt. Lilydale Def Eley Park

After a commanding result in Round 1, Eley Park were confidant of a similar outcome at Mt.Lilydale last Saturday. History didn’t repeat but, when the Rams have a past players day, they usually come away with a win. It was neck and neck in the first half but, come third 3rd (the premiership quarter), the Rams kicked home 5-4 to just the 3 points in a strangulating effort led by new recruit, BOG Stephen Donald with 7 majors. The Sharks appeared to be paying more attention to Max Hampton (3). By the 4th, the game was over as the Sharks were unable to reduce the margin past 21 points. Eley Park had players missing but, have no excuses for their output. Dave Viola led the Sharks with 3 goals and Trent Sigalas was their best. 

Point Cook Def By Westbourne

The match of the round between Point Cook and the visiting Westbourne Warriors at Saltwater Reserve had it all. The Warriors started off the better side but inaccurate kicking kept Point Cook in the game. The 2nd half was fairly even both on the scoreboard and in the ground. In the end it was a battle of the fittest, with a healthier Westbourne were able to over the line by just the 9 points. BOG Paul Hudson, was the Warriors best. Ben Johnson (2 goals) and an unusually quiet Dale Collins (2), were the only multiple goal kickers for the victors. The gallant Doggies were led by Andrew Robinson (2) and William Dawson (4)

PREVIEW

3/4 tipping wasn’t ideal but, Mt. Lilydale’s victory will be appreciated more come finals time. This week, there’ll be a lot of sides looking to perform better than their last outing. Some possible danger game out there. To this week’s games:

Chadstone (9th) host 5th place Manningham at Jordan Reserve. Chadstone are expecting a number of players to be available for the Seniors this week as this has been their bug-bear all year. Manningham need to concentrate on percentage this week and put a dampener on the Synners, “Day at the Races” function Saturday night. Manningham

Masala (8th) are confidant and anything is possible as they over to Quarry Rd and Mt. Lilydale who are now sitting 3rd. Win lose or draw, they are not far away from overtaking BHN for 7th. Mt. Lilydale to win on their Family Day

“Bocky” (7th) are struggling but, will have some air of confidence despite heading out to take on Westbourne (1st). BHN were missing key players last time and pitted themselves well against the league leaders. But alas, this will be a large Warrior win. 

The match of the round honours again are with the visiting Point Cook (2nd) as they head over to Eley Park (4th) at “Shark Park”. Use of wind decided the match last time but, a smaller ground still won’t change the winner. Point Cook

North Brunswick (6th) have the bye and a lot to work on considering their next match is a big one against Westbourne.

Tips

Chadstone Vs. Manningham

Mt. Lilydale Vs. Masala

Westbourne Vs. Box Hill North

Eley Park Vs. Point Cook