Div 3’s top sides shine in a wet-weather round

In a weekend of gloomy, rain-filled skies across Melbourne, the best teams of Division 3 excelled in the muddy conditions.

On the wide La Trobe University Oval, torrential downpour set up a low-scoring affair between La Trobe University and Canterbury, with the Cobras defence producing a clinic. La Trobe were held to just 11 points for the entire game, including just three behinds by three-quarter-time.

Canterbury was inaccurate in the first half, scoring 2.7 (19) by the main break, and led by just 17 points. Their attack clicked into gear in the second half however, and the Cobras managed to score 8.13 (61) to earn a 50-point victory.

Connor McCredden was best on for the Trobers, as Hugh O’Callaghan was the lone goal scorer.

Lachy Shearer and Nathan Beacom were amongst Canterbury’s best as Rohan Walmsley punted three majors. Despite the win, Canterbury remains fourth on the Div 3 ladder after Round 11.

After a strong opening quarter, Power House were in no position to lose against Albert Park. Power House scored 6.3 (39) to 0.1 (1) in a punishing first term that set the tone for the remainder of the match.

The Falcons equalled Power House across the second and third quarters, however they never managed to cut into the quarter-time margin. Power House never faltered through to the final siren, as they produced a solid 58-point win.

Bryce Aggiss and Felix Metz were the Falcons best players, as Jack Lee booted three goals.

Jack Taylor-Evans kicked five for Power House, joining Kieran Wotherspoon and Michael Timmons in best-on-ground votes.

In a top-five clash, St John’s cruised past Richmond Central at home by 70 points. Four consecutive goals from Matthew Carnelley turned a five-point lead to five goals by quarter time, as the JOCS broke away from early restraint by the Snakes. St John’s defence was sound throughout too, limiting Richmond Central to just 51 points for the match.

Carnelley (6) and Mitch Barry (5) combined for 11 goals, as Jarrod Ely also snagged one in his 100th match. Shannon Marsh and Daniel Abou-Karroum were deemed best on for the JOCs.

Ben Dillon (2) was the only multiple goal kicker for the Snakes, as Richmond Central’s attention now turns to a season-defining game against Power House in Round 12. Having won five on the trot before this week, the Snakes will be eyeing an upset victory to stake their claim as a potential premiership side.

Box Hill North have won back-to-back games after defeating a spirited Eley Park team. In consistent rain, the first half was a scrappy contest that kept both sides in the hunt. The strength of either club’s key forwards was vital in goalscoring, as Blake Williams of the Demons (8 goals) and Tom Johnston of the Sharks (6) filled the scoresheet.

Box Hill North held a slim seven-point margin at quarter time, but their quality began to creep in throughout the rest of the match. The Sharks kept playing in determined fashion, however ran out of legs in the last, the Demons nailing ten final-quarter goals to skew the margin out to 96 points.

“I felt we had a far better balanced team on the park yesterday,” Eley Park coach Matt Embling said, in relation to players returning from unavailability.

“Our work rate in the first half was solid. The third quarter Box Hill North played some good footy though, with Williams and [Josh] Chivers giving me a few headaches.”

Williams and Chivers combined for 15 goals in the Demons forward line, as Carl Sieger was rewarded with best-on-ground.

Ben and Mackenzie Field were amongst the Sharks best players, joined by Lachie Blunden and Johnston who were admirable for all four quarters.

Eley Park will refresh over the league’s bye this weekend, as a rematch with Albert Park looms for Round 12.

North Brunswick’s quality has proven too good over a defiant Chadstone side, as wet conditions restricted the Bulls’ regular scoring prowess. The Bulls, who albeit were eventual 86-point winners, were kept goalless with Chadstone in a gritty first quarter at Jordan Reserve.

North Brunswick’s fortunes changed in the second term however, as they reached a 25-point lead at halftime. 41 points to one in the final term boosted the Bulls to yet another one-sided victory, however Chadstone’s efforts for three quarters were admirable.

Five goals from Andrew Ramzy were crucial for North Brunswick, as Ashley Rae was deemed best on. Joshua Kubeil, Logan Stott, and Ben Ogilvie were amongst the Synners best in the sodden environment.

Division 3 will rest for another week across the VAFA’s league-wide bye, as ladder-shaping matches emerge across the upcoming Round 12.

St John’s host a confident Box Hill North coming off consecutive wins, a team that would be optimistic at their chances for a potential boilover at Thomas Carroll Reserve.

Power House face Richmond Central in a blockbuster top-five clash, with a loss to either side sure to impact ladder positions.

Canterbury play Chadstone, as Swinburne University will come off a two week break to try foil an undefeated North Brunswick.

Albert Park will be aiming for revenge against the Sharks, with Eley Park’s sole win coming against the Falcons in Round 2. La Trobe have the bye.