Lions stun Bears, while Gryphons remain undefeated at halfway mark

Ben Black

Therry Penola vs Kew FC

A wave of momentum for the Kew Bears leading into this game, coming off a great win over UHS two weeks prior, and were aiming to really chase down the Krushers for that second spot.

The Lions burst out of the blocks early giving them the early ascendancy within the game with the Bears failing to score a goal in the first term, making it that much more difficult to get back into the game. Kane O’Hallaron starred for the Lions as he was a vocal point up forward, giving them the best opportunity to convert. Jackson Young and Matthew Lyons were instrumental for Therry as they took the game on and were able to capitalise in key moments throughout the game.

As much as the Bears started slowly in the first half, skipper Max Waters and forwards Michael Hannon and Regan Smith were able to get some momentum going for Kew, as they were able to kick some handy goals. But in the end, it was a little too late as the Lions came away with a crucial win to keep their season alive in 2023 and give them some belief heading into the second half of the season. As for the Bears they slip to fourth on the ladder.

UHS-VU vs Preston Bullants

Well after a loss to the Bears a fortnight prior UHS were eager to get back on the winners list against the Bullants. The Bullants produced quite the start, bursting out of the gates with full energy and drilling home six goals to four behinds in the first term. This saw a potential upset looming with stars Nicholas Perizzolo and Alex Johnston giving the Bullants early momentum within the game.

UHS were needing a miracle to stay in the game. Harrison Rocke and Finn Urie were pivotal in delivering just that. While the Bullants kept UHS at an arm’s length from the Vultures for majority of the game giving them the best shot at a win and shaking up the top 5. The Vultures gave glimpses that they were going to serge back into the game with a flurry of late goals in the third.  And just like that, with one goal from the Bullants to six final goals from the Vultures, UHS walked away with a some-what comfortable win in a game that was really controlled by Preston for the first three quarters. This win puts UHS-VU back into third spot on the ladder after the Kew Bears went down to Therry.

West Brunswick vs Old Peninsula

The Magpies took on the Pirates at the Ranford Oval. Off to a strong start, the Magpies just couldn’t miss, kicking five straight goals to half time. It is clear Coach William Dillon has been focusing on goal kicking, which has most certainly paid off. The Pirates on the other hand started a tad slower, only managing a goal in the first term but it wasn’t a sign of bad form, they just eased into the game gradually.

Three goals in the second quarter gave the game some meaning as the Pirates took it to the Magpies. The Magpies did have some quality players though with Bill Irving and Ben Hutchison, both pivotal in making the most of their scoring shots. The third quarter saw the Pirates take full control of the game, with their eleven scoring shots to the Magpies’ one, which really set Pirates up to come away with the win. But the Magpies came back to reduce the deficit to just ten points. Overall, an exciting game of football between the middle of the table.

Prahran vs Glen Eira

Nine rounds in and at the halfway point of the home and away season and the Gryphons seriously have the premiership cup in their reach with another nine games remaining. The Two Blues benefited from accurate kicking in the first term. Rory Brodie set the early foundations for the Two Blues, as the Gryphons were kept to their lowest score at quarter time this season.

But in true Glen Eira fashion, they took the game back on their own terms as Tim Johnston blasted another big bag, making him one of Division 1’s most damaging players in the forward line. He was helped by Hayden and Sean Bass who chimed in with three of their own respectively. The Two Blues were not able to recover, missing opportunities to execute goals at key moments. The Gryphons came away with the win with a 45-point victory.

Oakleigh vs Ivanhoe.

Oakleigh Krushers were at their damaging best on Saturday when they took on Ivanhoe. The Krushers snagged six goals in the opening term with Aaron Cloke and Eddie Standish once again giving no mercy to the Hoers, really taking the game away from them.

Aaron Cloke showed everyone why he has still got it, after kicking 75 goals in 2022, and this year possibly even more. Ivanhoe through Wayne Schultz and Michael Doyle were able to play some of their best footy but just were not able to match the Krushers dominance on the scoreboard. The Krushers came away with a crushing win, 109-point victors and really cementing the top 2 spot.