Bloods kick clear of Bulls on top

Jason Bast – @Jason_Bast

From undefeated to two losses on the trot, North Brunswick have slid down to second place on the ladder after falling eight points shy of Aquinas in tough conditions down at Aquinas College. Manningham notched up another win, running over the top of Masala by 52 points, and are now sitting just four points behind the Bulls in third place. Mt Lilydale are finally back on the winners list as they outplayed St Francis Xavier on their way to a 35-point win at Mt Lilydale Mercy College. Elsternwick’s finals chances took a small blow as they couldn’t get the job done and succumbed to Parkside by 24 points.

Aquinas 9.12-66 def North Brunswick AFC 8.10-58

Well it was the game that I’ve been talking about for weeks and, it did not disappoint. It was a closely contested game in windy conditions and it was Aquinas that came away with the chocolate’s and first place on the ladder. The first quarter only saw one goal apiece with the Bulls leading by four points. Aquinas squandered some chances in the second term but lead by one point going into the main break. The third term saw the Bulls come out firing kicking 4.3 (27) to 2.1 (13) to lead the Bloods by 13 points after three quarters of footy. The last 20 minutes of action went Aquinas’ way as they held the top of the table Bulls to just one point on their way to an eight-point win. James McMahon was brilliant for the Bloods finishing as their best player. For the Bulls, Peter Butler lead the way on the scoreboard with three goals, with Ashley Rae finishing best on ground.  

Manningham Cobras AFC 15.20-110 def Masala FC 9.4-58

Manningham have moved within four points of second place on the ladder following a great 52-point win against Masala at Koonung Reserve. The Cobras destroyed the Tigers in the first term kicking 4.10 (34) and holding Masala scoreless. They piled on another four goals in the second as did the Tigers, the margin at half time sitting on 33 points. Manningham had another rather inaccurate quarter 4.7 (31) but still extended their lead, heading into the final term 63-points up. The last quarter went the Tigers’ way finishing with five goals to three but it didn’t help the scoreboard as they went down by 52 points. Kane Maghamez and Michael Muller kicked four goals each with Adam Baltruweit best on ground for the day. For Masala, Samuel Freeman kicked three goals and Ben Nugent had a great game.

Mt Lilydale OC 13.10-88 def St Francis Xavier OC 8.5-53

After over a month of poor results, Mt Lilydale are back on the winning side after downing St Francis Xavier at Mt Lilydale Mercy College. It looked like the Rams were facing another loss and a massive blow to their finals chances, when the X-Men jumped out to an early lead. The score line after the first term sitting at 1.4 (10) to 4.3 (27). However, a huge second quarter by Mt Lilydale 7.2 (44) to 1.0 (6) had the X-Men on the ropes and down by 21 points at the main break. St Francis couldn’t get the lead again for the remainder of the match as the Rams ran out the game to win by 35 points. Adam Thorne and Max Hampton both ended the match with three goals, Thorne finishing with best on ground honours. For the X-Men, Sean Dullard and James Van Dam showed admirable displays.

Parkside FC 11.10-76 def Elsternwick 7.10-52

Parkside have pulled off an upset and ticked off their second win of the season against Elsternwick down at Pitcher Park. It was a seesawing game with the Wickers getting out to a 10-point lead in the first quarter, before Parkside bit back to be up by 11 at half time. 3.5 (23) to no score had Elsternwick sitting in the driver’s seat going into the last quarter but it was all Parkside in the final term. The Red Devils piling on 5.7 (37) to 0.1 (1) to win the game by 24 points. Isaac Romano had the biggest impact on the scoreboard for Parkside kicking three majors and Adam Wells had a brilliant game earning himself best on ground. For Elsternwick, Adam Myhal and Scott Grace gave it their all for the entirety of the match.  

Preview

We’re getting right into the pointy end of the season now, and kicking off Round 15 we have Elsternwick taking on North Brunswick down at Elsternwick Park. The Bulls coming off consecutive losses will be looking to make a statement as we get closer to the finals. Manningham are going to be hoping to keep their winning streak alive as they face the Eley Park Sharks who are coming off the bye. Mt Lilydale have their work cut out for them at Mt Lilydale Mercy College when they play top-of-the-table, Aquinas. To finish off the round, St Francis Xavier and Parkside are both looking to get their third win of the season at Pitcher Park.