And then there were none in Division 1

Sig Arness

Hampton Rovers became the last team to relinquish untouchable status, and the top four showed just why they occupy those lofty positions by delivering a couple of pulsating contests. Some sharp-shooting forwards plied their trade with composure, and the misery continued with another blowout for the bottom placed side. West Brunswick stayed in touch with the upper echelon, but, courtesy of some forgettable early-season performances, have a percentage that may come back to haunt them. Jordan Bannister’s nine goals would, under most circumstances, have made inroads to his deficit on the goalkicking table, but it was not to be as leader Aaron Cloke replicated that tally. As we close in on the half way mark of the “Home and Away” season, the pecking order may be sorting itself out.

How could anybody not take the opportunity to describe the match between Ormond and Therry Penola as “the shootout at Gunn Reserve”? There was Thomas Buckley with seven at one end, Jordan Bannister with nine at the other, and 34 kicked for the day. The scores were level at the final break, despire the Monders having registered six more scoring shots, but their efforts, and the individual heroics of Isaiah Tahana, Alistair McCooke and Buckley were vindicated with a blistering final term. Brock Egglestone and the aforementioned Bannister would hold their heads high for the Lions.

Yet to taste defeat this year, Hampton Rovers would nevertheless have been conscious of what Preston Bullants had achieved in dismantling Ormond the previous week. Their nervousness was justified, as the hot-streak Bullants careered out of the gates, and it took all of Hampton’s resolve to try to haul in a 33 point half-time deficit, ultimately falling short by 11 points. Matt Rieniets and Adam Schaeche were instrumental in the valiant second-half revival, but Connor Howard and Coen Giali-Brosnan had already done enough to ensure consecutive big scalps for the Preston boys.

Ivanhoe’s first quarter against Oakleigh at Ivanhoe Park created a glimmer of hope, but thereafter the Krushers simply crushed the contest, dismissing any idea of an upset. Aaron Cloke’s insatiable appetite for goals led to a nine goal haul, and his form has played a big part in Oakleigh’s three wins to date. Max Post and Daniel Jones epitomised the Hoers’ never-say-die spirit.

It was level at the main break at the West Brunswick v Brunswick NOBS match, but the weight of the home side’s forward-fifty entries led to a comfortable 33-point margin over the NOBS come the final siren. Brunswick were best served by Geremie Ganino (3) and the upfield efforts by James Schmidt. Tom Stokes stayed in his rich vein of form for the Westies, Bill Irving kicked four, and the team improved their record to 5-3. A poor percentage remains their bugbear in the race for finals.

At Toorak Park, a nine goal to two second half propelled Prahran Assumption to a dominant win over Kew. The Bears will rue their latter-game fade-out, which came despite the best endeavours of Michael Henderson and Jeremy Hannan’s three goals. On the back of four multiple goalscorers, one of whom was best-afield Ryley Conlan, the Two Blues stayed in touch with the leading pack.

PREVIEW

Less than a fortnight ago, many pundits would have pencilled in the heavyweight clash of the Rovers and Monders as the battle of the undefeated. Both have, however, had some minor chinks in their armour exposed of late, and whilst this still irrefutably retains “Match of the Day” status, the focus has now shifted to holding on to a top two berth. I venture to say most of us would share the view that having the Bullants snapping at your heels promotes a somewhat uncomfortable feeling.

This is the main course on this round’s delectable menu. With both sides having felt the sting of the resurgent Bullants, neither Hampton nor Ormond will find a second loss palatable. I suspect that the unsavoury prospect of consecutive home defeats will not sit well with the Rovers, and they will be working overtime to restrict the Monders forward firepower. A ringside pew close to the fence at Boss James may provide a worthwhile experience.

Preston come off their giant-killing run into what appears to be a much less taxing assignment against the struggling Ivanhoe. It would take a reversal of some magnitude for this to be anything but a percentage builder – and a percentage boost is exactly what is required for Preston to leapfrog the loser of this week’s Rovers v Ormond match-up.

The need to garner another valuable four points has now become urgent for Brunswick, currently languishing on the second bottom rung of the ladder. Another unproductive match, this week against Prahran Assumption, will further hinder the NOBS’ determination to claw their way out of peril. The Two Blues, of course, have their own fish to fry, knowing that a stumble by West Brunswick gives them the opening to climb up one spot.

Therry Penola demonstrated in their gallant loss to Ormond that they are in good form, but so too are the Westies, now boasting three wins in a row since their inexplicable defeat to the Rovers a month ago. Fourth versus fifth indicates that there’s a lot to play for here.

The final game for consideration is between two sides who are mired in a bit of no-man’s land – not challenging for finals, not yet clear of the drop zone. Oakleigh have probably exhibited the better credentials to date and that, aided by their affinity with their own Scammell Reserve, entitles them to start favourites against the visiting Kew.