Unbeaten Streak Continues For Bulls as St Johns Triumph Under Lights

Billy Bolch

The first match of the round saw the undefeated North Brunswick take on the always-gallant Box Hill North. The first quarter saw a hard-fought but low-scoring 30 minutes from both sides, but the Bulls were able to take a narrow lead of 8 points at the first break. The second quarter saw the Bulls get a bit more separation from the Demons with a 4-goal quarter, extending their lead to 24 points in the process.

A third quarter fightback from the Demons put them back in the game, kicking 4 goals of their own. The Bulls did remain competitive with 2 goals of their own, maintain a 13-point lead heading into the final term. With the match to be won by whoever took the opportunity, both teams fought hard in the final quarter, but it was the Bulls who held a 3-goal to 2 advantage for the quarter to win another close game, this time by 18 points.

The best for the Bulls included Samuel Watt, Zac Dicianni and Jack Clapton. The best for the Demons were Timothy Stanghi, Carl Sieger and Kyle Hocking. Multiple goalkickers for the Bulls were James Miralles Lombardo and Jacob Cornejo who both kicked 2 goals. The Demons had 2 players with multiple goals in Blake Williams (3) and Kyle Hocking (2). The Bulls will look to continue their winning ways as they host Albert Park. Box Hill North will look to get back into the winners’ column as they face Eley Park.

The second match of the round saw Masala look to take their winning streak to 3 whilst Eley Park were after their first win against a tough opposition. The Tigers got off to a dream start with 5 goals whilst keeping the Sharks to a single goal to take a 30-point lead at the first break. The Sharks started to put in work during the second quarter as they were able to kick 3 goals, whilst keeping Masala to only 3 goals, thus maintaining a margin of 30 points heading into the major break.

Masala then put together a big third quarter with 8 goals, however, the Sharks remained competitive with 5 goals of their own. The mammoth quarter by Masala saw the lead extended to 46 points. The Tigers were able to keep the Sharks away kicking 5 goals to the Sharks’ 3 for the final quarter. In the end, it was the Tigers that ran out winners by 54 points in an incredibly high-scoring game, holding onto their second spot on the ladder. Eley Park however will leave with their highest score of the season which will be a confidence booster.

Among the best for Masala were Sean Downes, Brandon Kelly and Deakin Harris. The best for the Sharks were Jacob Rose, Andrew Yeo and Tom Johnston. Masala’s goal kickers included Sean Downes (6), Brandon Kelly (4) and Luke Broomhall (3). Tom Johnston stood up in front of goals for the Sharks with 6 majors. Other multiple-goal kickers for the Sharks were Zachary Hayes and Aaron Williams who both kicked 2 goals. Masala will look to get another big win as they face rivals St Johns whilst Eley Park will look to take their ability to hit the scoreboard into their clash against Box Hill North.

The final match of the round saw St Johns take on Albert Park in what was the division’s first night game of the year. Both teams got off to a slow and cautious start with the JOCS kicking a single goal and the Falcons kicking 2 goals to take a 6-point lead into the first break. In the second quarter, the JOCS quickly took the game onto their terms, booting 4-goals to 1, extending their lead to 15-points at the major break.

The third quarter was another low-scoring period of football with both teams only managing a goal each but with 7 scoring shots for the quarter, the Falcons were able to reduce the JOCS lead to 11 points. The final quarter saw both teams take their game to another level as both hit the scoreboard. The Falcons were able to kick 2 goals, however, it was the JOCS that were able to kick 3 goals, winning the match by 20 points in what was their best win of the season thus far.

The best for the JOCS were Corey Ely, Nicholas Terril and Ethan Hope and the best for the Falcons were Sam Lee, Paul Hutchins and Jack Lee. Benjamin Ayache led the way in front of goals for the JOCS with 4 goals. Other goal-kickers for the JOCS included Brendan Ash, Michael Horton and Matt Kirkpatrick. Reece French-Lightfoot kicked 2 majors for the Falcons. Other goal-kickers for the Falcons were Jack Aimes, Brett Tottenham and Sam Lee. St Johns will next host rivals Masala in what should be a big match for the JOCS. The Falcons will face another tough challenge as they face the undefeated North Brunswick.