Round 17 Wrap-Ups

DIVISION 1 with JASON BARBIN

With several teams fighting for ladder positions, Round 17 was an important one.

East Brighton won their 11th game in a row with a win against Cheltenham at Hurlingham Park. The loss put the Rosellas outside the top 5 only by percentage. The win was set up for the Vampires with good play by their midfield. Matt O’Rourke and Barry Hope in particular providing the spark that led the Vampires to victory and to secure a top 2 spot.

St Pauls officially clinched the 2013 minor premiership with a victory over Clayton in Round 17. A 13 goal to 3 second half secured the victory for the dogs, who will go into the finals as premiership favourites. The St Pauls midfield was the key in the win as Adam McIntyre and Liam Wilson dominated while Luke James kicked 6.

St Kilda City moved into the top 5 with an important victory over East Malvern. The Saints lead at every change to win by 78 points and move ahead of Cheltenham in the race for the finals. Saints half forward Thushan Shrimpton provided several highlights for the Saints kicking two goals.

Heatherton officially secured their place in Division 1 next season with a victory over Highett. The loss for Highett puts an end to their hopes of staving off relegation. The win comes as Heatherton celebrates their 100th year in existence. Ex-Melbourne Captain and former teammate of club legend Rick Crowe, David Neitz pulled on the boots for the Tunners for the game and kicked two goals.

Dingley moved back into 3rd spot on the ladder with a comfortable victory over Chelsea Heights. The Dingoes overcame a disappointing loss the previous week to record the 58 point victory and set up a potential finals clash with East Brighton. The half forwards for the Dingoes were key in the victory with Jackson Peet and Aaron Sawers kicking 2 goals each.

 

DIVISION 2 with THE FOOTY TRAGIC 

Round 17 - Congratulations to Murrumbeena and Mordialloc for great wins last week, Mordialloc virtually sewing up a Finals spot, Murrumbeena staying in contention, as fourth and fifth positions seems to be between Springvale Districts, Murrumbeena and Skye. Bentleigh should retain top position, even if they lose this week. Oakleigh District will finish second. If Skye wins this week, they will play finals and percentage should be the deciding factor between Springvale Districts and Murrumbeena. Should Skye lose, they’re out of contention. Skye’s task seems to be the most difficult as they play Bentleigh at Bentleigh.

Murrumbeena had the game in the bag at half time after only allowing Oakleigh District to score 2 goals with the wind after they kicked 9 goals to nil in the first quarter. Murrumbeena knew if they lost this game it was mothballs, and not for the first time this season they rose to the occasion. Oakleigh District on the other hand must be concerned with their inconsistency and there is not much time for them to sort themselves out if they are to be Premiers.

Mordialloc rained on Springvale Districts' parade, in a game dominated by defence. Springvale is now in danger of missing finals completely and need to win big next week to get a better percentage as they have the 2nd lowest percentage in the top 6.

 

DIVISION 3 with GOOD WILL HUNTER

Lyndale’s finals hopes have taken a hit after being pipped by Mount Waverley in a thriller at Mayfield Reserve. The Mountain Lions flew out of the blocks, banging on five unanswered goals in the opening stanza before the Pumas clawed their way back into the contest. They mounted one final assault in the final term, but the home side managed to hang on by the barest of margins. Mount Waverley’s Simon Jacobson claimed best afield honours, while David Luong was influential for Lyndale.

There was another tight finish at Edinburgh Reserve as Carrum Patterson Lakes overcame Sandown. The Lions enjoyed a comfortable lead for most of the afternoon, but not to be denied the Cobras lifted in the last quarter and began pegging back the difference.  Unfortunately Sandown was again left to rue its inaccuracy as it fell just three points short. Corey Hand was again dominant for the Lions, while Jason Toan was Sandown’s best.

Black Rock has thrown a spanner in the works, thumping finals aspirant Ashwood by 63 points at Essex Heights Reserve. The first half was at times a scrappy contest, with neither side able to gain a decisive advantage. But on the back of Cory Durie’s dominance in the middle, the Jets gained the ascendancy after half time before sealing their crushing win with a six-goal-to-nil final term.

Over at Greaves Reserve, Dandenong got the better of Endeavour Hills. The gallant Falcons fought hard for the first three quarters and trailed by just seven points at the final change. But just when it looked like the boilover of the season was on the cards, the Redlegs booted four unanswered goals to get home by 37 points. Chris Hatfield booted two goals in a scintillating performance for the winners.

The final game was almost a formality as the undefeated Eagles demolished Hallam by 80 points at Hallam Reserve. The Hawks trailed by just six points at the first change, before Doveton flexed their muscle and cruised home with seemingly effortless ease. Clint Wilson was outstanding for the Eagles while teammate Peter Dye dominated up forward with six goals.

 

UNDER 19s with GOOD WILL HUNTER 

Round 17 saw the second draw of the season after Chelsea Heights and Dingley couldn’t be split at Beazley Reserve. Trailing by 20 points at the final change, the Dingoes mounted a comeback and a goal in the final minute saw them tie the scores. Jackson Fry continued his stellar form in front of the sticks, booting four of the Heighters’ eight goals, while Jake Andrews was Dingley’s best.

Skye’s solid form continued, this week toppling the undermanned Murrumbeena by 47 points at the Hangar. Ryan McConville booted six goals as the Bombers ran away with the game after quarter time. Darcy Hargrave fought hard for Beena.

At the Kennel, the Doggies proved too good for Clayton. The Clays looked promising in the first term, but St Pauls blew the game open in the second before cruising home by a big margin. James Bragagnolo was best on ground in his side’s victory, while Kevin Harris offered some solid resistance for the Clays.

The final game was a lop-sided contest as Bentleigh crushed Hampton. The Hammers were solid early, booting their only goal for the match in the opening quarter through Cameron Lee. But it was one-way traffic after that as Chris Yenofkian and Nicholas Lowrie dominated in front of goal for the Demons.