It’s all about percentage in Premier C

Meg Saultry

Percentage could be considered the it-word of round three of the Premier C competition, with each winning team posting margins of over 50 points.

Fitzroy FC produced the win of the round, stunning Old Geelong by 89 points at Brunswick Oval. Both sides were undefeated heading into the game, but Fitzroy separated itself from the two with greater pressure and an even contribution across the ground. It took just over five minutes for Fitzroy to score the first goal of the game, after a free kick, awarded to Noah Wright, was easily slotted through. It was all Fitzroy moving forward, who scored six unanswered goals in the first quarter, including three to skipper Julian Turner and an impressive kick by Sam Baker from outside the forward 50. Turner added another two goals to take his total to five for the day, pushing him into equal first in the competition’s goal tally alongside PEGS’ Adrian Romanyk (both with 11).

Twins Ted and Bill Clayton were among the best, and were joined for the first time by another set of twins as Noah lined up alongside brother Bernie Wright for the first time in the senior side. Matthew Bird and Matt Corney were the best for OG, kicking four and three goals respectively to keep their side somewhat competitive. Fitzroy FC moves to second on the ladder, and will want to continue its undefeated run when it travels to Chelsworth Park to take on Old Ivanhoe in round four. Old Geelong slides to fourth after the loss, but returns home to Como Park to play Old Camberwell.

A dominant second half helped Old Camberwell register its first win of the season, overpowering rivals Old Ivanhoe by 51 points at Gordon Barnard Reserve. Old Camberwell’s midfield, including Ben Hart and Chris Hensby, looked dangerous all day, attacking down the corridor with ease, while Ivanhoe in comparison, utilised uncontested possessions on the outside wings. It didn’t do any favors for their forwards though, who had to line up from difficult positions and resulted in a 3.9 conversion rate by half time.

The Wellers pressure and intent on the football rose above its opponents in the third quarter, with the home side scoring seven goals to one. The Hoers, desperate to get back into the game, used Daniel Cookson on the wing to transition the ball forward, but poor decisions and Camberwell’s strong defence stopped most attacks. Tom Kanz and Alex Taverner were dangerous in the Wellers forward line, kicking six and four goals respectively. Simon Bennett was the steadying presence in defence and was able to spoil plenty of contests, while Robert Campbell’s size and height came in handy in an array of positions. Ivanhoe’s Nick Reeves-Smyth was a strong target for the visitors and converted two for the day, while Justin Powick was Ivanhoe’s best through the middle. Adrian Del Monte kicked three goals for the Hoers, but his two goals in as many minutes in the final term came too late to do any damage.

Camberwell moves up to eighth on the ladder, while Ivanhoe drops to sixth. But both sides face tough opposition next round, when Old Camberwell play Old Geelong, and Old Ivanhoe host Fitzroy FC.

Williamstown CYMS solidified its position as the team to beat with a 12-goal second half display to beat Old Mentonians by 59 points at Fearon Park. Old Mentonians got the early lead after a Keiffer Smith-Cameron goal opened the game, as inaccuracy proved costly for Williamstown. The home team kicked 1.9 in the first term, and allowed the Panthers to lead in the opening two terms. Trailing by six points at half time, it was all Williamstown after the break, as the team booted 12 goals to two to seize the win.

Nicholas Ebinger was damaging with seven goals in a best on ground performance. Ben Deller added another handy three majors for Williamstown, while Lachlan Boyd carried the load for the Panthers, slotting three goals after a quiet game last round. Williamstown sits top of the ladder after three rounds, narrowly above Fitzroy by percentage, while the loss moves Old Mentonians back down to ninth. Big games for both teams emerge in Round 4 when Williamstown plays third placed Marcellin OC, and Old Mentonians face seventh placed PEGS Football Club.

St Mary’s Salesian remains winless after three rounds, going down to Marcellin OC by 83 points on Saturday afternoon. The Eagles, playing on home soil, were able to get out to a five goal lead at the first break, but even though St Mary’s looked more competitive in the second and third terms, the Eagles kept the Saints scoreless in the final term to run away with the game.

Marcellin’s Daniel McMahon topped the goal scorer’s list with five majors and Alastair Clayton was equally impressive with four. Lachlan Rush has proved to be a consistent contributor in the opening three rounds, adding another three goals to his three and two goal hauls from the previous two matches. Max Di Ciccio and Jeremiah Antypas were among the best for the Eagles. St Mary’s Louis Holmes and Manny Dolan kicked the majority of the Saints score with three goals apiece, while Jackson Strangward was tough in the contest, and Brett Borland put in another consistent performance.

It has been a harsh welcome to Premier C for St Mary’s as it falls to the bottom of the ladder as the only team yet to register a win, while Marcellin OC moves from fifth to third position. St Mary’s will return to Ferndale Park searching for that elusive win against a rejuvenated Peninsula, as Marcellin OC host the ‘top of the table’ Williamstown CYMS in what should be one of the most anticipated games of Round 4.

A commanding 64-point victory over PEGS Football Club gives Peninsula its first win of the season. Playing at PEGS Sporting Fields, the Pirates kicked six unanswered goals in the second quarter to take the game out of the Bombers reach. Will Crowder was dominant down forward for the Pirates, booting five goals for the day. The Bombers will be unhappy with a very undisciplined act when Crowder, after kicking a goal, was knocked over behind play. The forward was awarded a free kick and the chance to convert an additional goal, which he did.

Peninsula’s Will Harbinson and Sam Harrison both slotted three goals apiece, while George and James Fletcher, the latter the 2015 Premier C Rising Star, were both prolific. Jackson Young was the Bombers only multiple goal-scorer with two majors, and joined Max Philpot and David Fahey as the best for the Bombers. Peninsula now moves up to fifth place after its win, while PEGS sits in seventh position. Both clubs will play away from home next round, as Peninsula face the winless St Mary’s and the PEGS Bombers match up against Old Mentonians.