Wind beneath Bombers’ wings as they take back top spot

Brin Duggan – @BrinDuggan

With the wind wreaking havoc across the state, the order of the day for Round 13 was defence. “Defence, defence, defence” emanated from the raptures of various D1 home grounds and defence is what the parochial fans got. Ignoring inaccuracy due to a howling gale, four of the five losers were held to less than 60 points and not one team managed more than 100.

The highest scoring affair was between SMS and Therry. The Lions had trudged down to the Glen Iris postage stamp wanting to maintain some of last week’s form. They started excellently on the back of some manful midfield work from Jarrod Egglestone and ran out to a 22-point halftime lead; however, SMS had bashed through 11 behinds and just one goal. Half time served as a firecracker up the behind for SMS who came out to kick 12 of the next 17 goals and run out eventual 20-point winners, though, 33 SMS scoring shots belied a larger difference between the sides. The SMS forwards were well held but Mitch Bulte managed to break the shackles for three goals, all of which he kicked in the third term. The Saints fought their way back into the contest on the muscular back of Luke Dykes who was named BOG. Jos “Poison” op’t Hoog is a coach and fan favourite down at St Mary’s and he was another stand out in Round 13 as he continued his purple patch of footy – I’m tipping Poison will feature prominently in the end of year vote count. Therry leading goalkicker, Corey Bannister was again on the scoresheet with four majors.

PEGS were the second closest to the magical 100-point mark as they dismantled a hot Ivanhoe outfit to the tune of 59-points. As is often the case for the Hoes, they came out strongly and booted the first four goals of the match. Unfortunately, they only managed to kick one goal and three behinds after quarter time as the Bombers took the lead by halftime and never looked back. An astounding last quarter by PEGS produced eight goals which was enough for them to boost their percentage by five points and leapfrog SMS into top spot. The victorious PEGS had a number of solid contributors though Robert Baddeley shone the brightest as his side’s best while Tylar Vujanic reaped the rewards up forward with three goals. Another case of “our best will get it done” was on show from the Hoes early which was instigated by Reuben Blackmore-Moore and Samuel Wright. It was Bill Jackson, however, that was named BOG for his tireless four quarter effort.

A dower affair between St John’s and Whitefriars contradicted the importance of the match. Looking for the third and second wins, respectively, this game was crucial to each team’s chances of avoiding relegation. With just one game separating the Jocs and eighth position, they were the side with the most to play for. The Friars started well and opened up a small six-point margin at quarter time … SCREEEECH. The Friars slammed on the brakes thereafter. Sitting on 27-points at quarter time, Whitefriars only managed 31 for the game. St Johns took full advantage and dominated from then onwards slamming through the only eight goals for the rest of the game to run out 45-point winners. Their ever reliable forward Aaron Thornton kicked another bag of four goals while star Glenn Costas was named best. For the Friars, Daniel Kaldor continued his good form and Hewitt Murray kicked two of his side’s four goals.

In the most important game of the season, Oakleigh took on Ormond as they attempted to draw even with them in fourth position. A howling gale besieged W.A. Scammell and produced a see-sawing encounter. An important toss to win saw Ormond start with the wind and start well. In the second quarter the Krushers booted four goals five and took a slender lead into the main break. Once again, the wind told the story of the third as Ormond got back on top. The expectation was that Oakleigh would run over the top in the last. But, credit must be given to Ormond who held them well and managed a few goals themselves to cling to a narrow 14-point victory despite the Oaks managing one more scoring shot. As they are left to rue the wasted opportunity, Oakleigh will thank Thomas Nolan and Tim Michael who played their best games of the year. The victors owe BOG, Sam Mason, a beer after his standout performance. Thomas Buckley supported Mason adequately and booted four goals, proving to be the difference between the two sides.

Brunswick produced one of the biggest upsets of the season as they obliterated an ice cold Preston by 61-points. The NOBs built their victory on the back of a 35-0 opening quarter and never looked back. The wind played a part in this match as well as the sides combined for 16.27 with 13 of those goals being kicked to one end. Preston now drop into fourth, one game clear of fifth. Christian Fontana is not to blame and Michael Sortino played well in his first senior game this year. The best for Brunswick was irrepressible forward, Chris Horsley, who boomed through five majors and was named BOG. He was assisted by NOBs leading goal kicker, Chris Ford, who managed three of his own and maintained his strong form. The victory was huge for the NOBs as it lifted them one game clear of ninth spot.

Round 14 is now on the horizon and it provides us with a number of enthralling encounters. Brunswick NOBSPC host St. Marys and will want to secure a two-win streak for the first time this year. SMS have their eyes set on top spot though and should take this one. Ivanhoe will want to get back on the winners’ sheet against the Jocs; however, St Johns hold the wood over them and should claim this one. Therry will come up against Oakleigh; looking to avenge their tough loss, Oakleigh should win by 20-points. Preston welcome PEGS at the worst time possible for them; They beat them earlier in the year but PEGS will be too much this time. Finally, Whitefriars reluctantly receive Ormond in what should be an Ormond cake walk – Monders by 70+.

Feature photo: Phil Skeggs