Williamstown Secure Their First Win of the Season as Old Geelong Continue to Build

Josh Heriot

Picture perfect conditions greeted Melbourne with two teams remaining undefeated in Premier B, whilst Williamstown claimed their first victory of the season. Fitzroy and St Bernard’s kept the unbeaten streak rolling on and have continued to occupy the top placings on the ladder.

But first let’s start with the biggest win of the weekend with Williamstown punching through to defeat Monash Blues. It was always going to be a gritty afternoon for both sides, but Williamstown took control at each change and were able to put together a third quarter surge that saw them ultimately come away with the win. The game was dominated by Will Smyth who was sharp in front of the big sticks with six goals earning him a best on ground performance. Meanwhile Oskar Manton slotted three majors with Will Bokma also casting a strong showing during the game. Monash were kept in the game by Jake Meade and James Flett who booted three but for the Blues they remain winless alongside AJAX with the pair set to face each other in round 7.

Old Geelong was in the winner’s circle with their third win for the season by 24 points over AJAX. Old Geelong had a blistering start with seven first quarter goals, but AJAX restricted them to just two in the second quarter to cut the margin back to 22 points. The powerful start looked to be far too strong for Geelong with AJAX unable to level the contest and wrestle the scoring their way. Jordan Frew and Mickey Nicholls both kicked three for Geelong as they ended with nine individual goal kickers. Meanwhile Jack Anderson and Nicholas Dixon found the footy and were strong in amongst the contests. AJAX’s Ben Krongold provided service up forward with three goals with Max Herzel proving to be strong also.

In a tight low scoring affair, Beaumaris recorded a 13-point win over Trinity. It was a close encounter for much of the afternoon with scores level at quarter time before the Sharks pulled away in the second quarter with a half time lead of 19. The margin was cut back to 5 points at the final change, but the Sharks restricted the Trinity attack, keeping them to just one behind in the final quarter and pulling away for their fourth win of the season. Nicholas Plevritis and James Freeman kicked two each for the Sharks with Callum Linehan best on ground and Callum Heath strong in the ruck. James Ingpen and Oliver Scott provided some light for Trinity, but the Sharks proved too strong in the final quarter. It now leaves Trinity with just two wins from the first five rounds after coming down from Premier division.

Fitzroy produced another dominant performance out scoring De La Salle by 67 points. For Fitzroy, this was going to be a challenge but as they have done throughout the season, their football did the talking and the premiership points keep rolling in. De La Salle fought gallantly during the first half with the margin opening out to 26 points at the final change before the Roys blasted seven final quarter goals. Charlie Faubel is a name we’ve become familiar with, and he didn’t disappoint with three goals and a best on ground performance for the Roys. While for De La Salle Josh Cumberlidge stood strong and fought hard around the contest.

St Bernard’s finished off round 5 in style beating St Bedes/Mentone by 67 points. The Snowdogs led comfortably throughout the day and were in control at every break restricting the Tigers to seven goals for the match. There were nine individual goal kickers for the Snowdogs with Fergus McNicol leading the charge with four majors while Jeremy O’Sullivan kicked three. Ethan Schumann starred with a goal and was the best player for St Bernard’s.

Round six will see St Bernard’s take on Old Trinity out at the Snakepit as the Snowdogs celebrate their 60^th year in the VAFA. Unbelievably St Bernard’s played their first ever VAFA match against Old Trinity so it is fitting that on their anniversary celebrations they will do battle once again. Fitzroy will face AJAX as they look to continue their untouched streak, with Williamstown to play Old Geelong who are hitting some form. The final two games will see the Sharks up against a winless Monash Blues who desperately need a win while De La Salle to travel away to meet St Bedes/Mentone Tigers to conclude the round of football.