Eagles take flight, Mazenod go three straight

Madison Talarico

Once again Mazenod rose to the occasion, defeating Old Ivanhoe Grammarians by 25 points at Chelsworth Park. The Nodders broke open the match in the second term, scoring four goals to one, and were able to outscore their adversaries in each subsequent quarter to upset the favourites. You can’t ask for much more from the Nodders, as they hit a purple patch and creep slowly up the ladder with three-straight wins sitting 6th. Mazenod’s Christian Martino, Bradley Kovac and Mitchel D’Angelo all made an impact with two goals each, and Jack Sullivan lifted in a best-on performance. Old Ivanhoe’s Jack Welham leads Premier C scoring with 25, booting three in this outing, while William Gough impressed once again. Coming off stunning form, Mazenod will return home to face PEGS who still sit bottom of the ladder. The confident Nodders will be eager to win on home turf, and mimic their 43-point win in their last matchup. Hampton Rovers expect Old Ivanhoe Grammarians for Round 10 at Boss James Reserve. Old Ivanhoe beat the Rovers only a few weeks ago, and will view this as a must win given their ladder position is up for grabs as three teams sit within four points of them (including Hampton).

47 points was the margin as Williamstown CYMS defeated Hampton Rovers at Downer Oval. The Rovers made things difficult for Williamstown CYMS, leading the first and second terms by under a goal, but the threat of losing lifted the CY’s who fired back with 10 goals to two for the second half – winning the game to no one’s surprise. Nicholas Ebinger booted six for the CY’s, while our reigning Premier C B&F winner, Yuma Hemphill, starred. For the Rovers, Josh Broadley was their best for a second straight week and Jacob Gray scored two. Old Mentonians have their hands full, and will need to play their best football, as they expect Williamstown CYMS at Keysborough Playing Fields. Hampton Rovers face Old Ivanhoe Grammarians in a contest too close to call. After their losses in Round 9, a win is a must for these two teams heading into the second half of the season.

Marcellin were too good in a 40-point win over Ormond (2^nd) at E.E. Gunn Reserve. Marcellin has struggled in recent weeks to find a good string of form, but a nice break and a solid win over title contenders will surely fix that. Marcellin started well, amassing a 14-point lead before half time in a good position to take control of the contest. They went on to hold the Monders to three goals for the rest of the match, all while slotting eight of their own, to end the game on a strong note. Adam Tomaro and Daniel McMahon booted four each and Rowan McKenzie was the BOG for Marcellin. Harry Bingham led the scoring for Ormond with two and Ethan Hanley was their best. Ajax will host Marcellin at Gary Smorgon Oval for Round 10, with a victory in favour of the Eagles the result of their Round 1 encounter. Ormond takes on Old Camberwell Grammarians at Gordon Barnard Reserve this weekend, where the Monders are looking to make a statement of ninth placed Old Camberwell following their disappointing Round 9 loss.

Old Mentonians defeated Old Camberwell Grammarians by 60 points at home, the Wellers seventh straight loss. The Panthers dominated the game, and held their third position on the Premier C ladder. It wasn’t all negative for the Wellers, as they showed glimmers of hope in the second term booting three goals. Old Mentonians continued to apply the pressure, however, not giving up much ground from thereon in. The Panthers’ Lachlan Boyd was responsible for seven majors, while Benjamin Nicoll was named Best-Afield. Scott Kaiser booted four for the Wellers. Old Mentonians face the unofficial kings of Premier C, Williamstown CYMS, for a clash that promises to impress. The CY’s will hold top spot no matter the result but it will be interesting to see where Old Mentonians stand against the premiership favourites. Old Camberwell Grammarians will challenge Ormond at home as they attempt to end their seven-game losing streak, while Ormond won’t show any sympathy for the Wellers’ cause.

Ajax notched a 41-point victory over PEGS, as they make a good case they belong in the middle of the ladder. The Jackas kicked off the match with a three-goal lead, putting PEGS on notice as they responded to the Jackas output and trailed by only 11 points heading into the final term. Both sides had their best scoring quarter of the game in the last, but it was Ajax who were able to keep PEGS at a distance and prevail for their third win of 2019. Jake Lew (5), Brandon Joel (3), and Jesse Velleman (3) were the biggest scorers for Ajax, with Asher Burstin named BOG. Thomas Riley was the best for PEGS. Ajax face a tough opponent in Marcellin at Gary Smorgon Oval where the Jackas require a win if they want to avoid relegation zone and move up the ladder. PEGS will face a Mazenod side hungry to show the league they are serious contenders at Central Reserve.