By Lincoln Edmunds
@LincolnEdmunds
Listen back to this week’s The 5th Quarter podcast, featuring Black Rock President John Burke as the special guest, in the player above.
Cerberus 8.13 (61) def Sandown 5.10 (40)
Cerberus’ winning streak has continued on the weekend, overcoming Sandown by 21 points in a game marred by inaccuracy at McAuliffe Oval. Looking for their third win in a row, the Dogs started rather slowly as Sandown jumped out of the blocks to take a 17-point lead at the first change. The scoreboard damage was limited somewhat by Sandown’s poor conversion rate, the Cobras spraying their chances to register 2.6 for the term.
A quarter time pep talk allowed the Dogs to regroup and after splitting from the huddle, the home side completely flipped the script. Cerberus started to get the game on their terms, slotting five majors whilst holding Sandown to a solidary point. But once again the team dominating play was unable to fully capitalise, with the Dogs also scoring a wasteful nine behinds for the term. Nevertheless the Dogs went into the main change with a solid buffer having arrested the momentum.
The Cobras wouldn’t go away though and after the break fought back to match the Dogs bite. Kicking to the scoring end, Sandown created four scoring chances in the quarter for an improved return of two goals. Crucially the Cobras were also able to restrict the Dogs scoring, with the home side clinging onto a nine point lead at the final break.
Although Sandown were only nine points down, neither side had managed to kick a single goal at their end of the ground for the entire day. And the heavy scoring at one end continued, Cerberus finally shrugging off their plucky opponents with a three goal to one final term. The cosy 21 point victory makes it three wins on the trot for the Dogs and remarkably pushes them into 4th place, edging out Moorabbin on superior percentage.
Cerberus still need to clean up a few areas of their game but the whole group can be pretty satisfied with their performance over the last few weeks. Josh Little and Simon Vanderfeen were two of the better players for the home side. Sandown were valiant in defeat and had a real crack but just couldn’t convert their chances. Bradley Reiner kicked two majors in a solid game for the club.
Dandenong 9.9 (63) def by Lyndhurst 10.17 (77)
Lyndhurst have endured a scare, surviving a fast finishing Dandenong side by 14 points in an intriguing contest at Greaves Reserve. Heading into the clash against the second place Lightning, not many gave the Redlegs a chance but they came out with a point to prove. On their home deck Dandenong were up for the fight right from the word go, mixing it with the one of the better sides in an even first term.
Two goals apiece for both teams saw the visitors take a slender four point lead with plenty to think about at the quarter time siren. Realising that the Redlegs were going to provide a tough challenge, Lyndhurst switched it up a gear in the second term and dobbed four goals to one, taking a 27 point cushion with them. Dandenong continued to fight in the second half but Lyndhurst’s class was beginning to shine through as they continued to build on their lead. Being 38 points up with a quarter to play, the Lightning seemed to lapse in concentration a tad and the Redlegs took full toll.
The home side dominated the quarter, slamming on quick goals to raise some serious panic and frustration for the Lighting coaching staff. The Redlegs were playing with freedom and intent as the goals kept coming. Unfortunately for the home side time was their enemy and it eventually expired, preventing the prospect of a miracle victory. The Lightning were held goalless for the term but their shocking inaccuracy of 17 behinds for the match, prevented them from putting the match to bed earlier on.
Overall the Lighting came away with the four points but the Redlegs earnt some respect by taking it right up to one of the ladder leaders. Nicholas Ford and Jayke Hopkins once again stood tall for the home side and Michael Scott played his best game for the season. Hamish Browning was decent up forward once again for Lyndhurst booting four goals, moving to 5th on the competition goal kicking leader board with 16 for the season.
Moorabbin Kangaroos 12.12 (84) def by Frankston Dolphins 15.10 (100)
Frankston has edged out Moorabbin by 16 points in a fast paced and entertaining game at Widdop Crescent Reserve. Coming off an absolute drubbing at the hands of CPL last weekend, the Kangaroos needed to respond and earn back some respect. They started poorly once again with the Dolphins booting six first quarter goals and raising fears of another lacklustre showing. However the Roos got their act together in the second term and started to get into the game.
Moorabbin found plenty of scoring opportunities but squandered many of them, registering 4.7 for the term. Regardless the Roos were right back in the match and crucially seemed to have regained some confidence. All their good work seemed to be undone in the third term though, as Frankston registered three crucial goals to take the momentum with them. Displaying good defence and accurate goal kicking in attack, the Dolphins were looking tough to beat.
This didn’t stop the Kangaroos coming out all guns blazing in the final term, as both sides traded goal for a goal in an entertaining shoot out. Whilst the Roos were able to slot five goals, they also leaked four the other way as the Dolphins wasted their chances to keep the Roos in the game. The final bell eventually confirming a good win for the away side who continue to put together a solid block of form.
Leading competition goal kicker Luke Kirkland was well held, but still managed to get on the end of three majors for Frankston. Jed Gardiner once again turned in a fine game as did Tom Shayler. For the Roos, Dylan Bone recaptured some of his early season form, booting six goals to be the most impressive forward on the ground. Whilst Moorabbin didn’t come away with a win, the performance and effort compared to last week’s debacle will put them in better shape in the weeks to come.
Lyndale 6.6 (42) def by 13.13 (91) Carrum Patterson Lakes
The theme of away sides dominating the round continued, with Carrum Patterson Lakes notching up a comfortable 49 point win over Lyndale at Barry Powell Reserve. This was a huge game for the Pumas as a win would have kept them right in contention and possibly pushed them into the top four. Their first quarter suggested that they knew this too, as they came out with purpose and intent to take the early lead over the Lions. In a low scoring scrap, Lyndale’s game style was standing up to the best of the best, as both sides locked in a fierce and dour battle.
The main break saw both teams equal on 3.4, with neither side able to wrestle away a solid lead. However all that changed in the premiership quarter as CPL showed their power, blowing away Lyndale with a five goal term whilst restricting the Pumas to a paltry behind. Their dominance seemed to break Lyndale’s spirt as they continued on their merry way in the final quarter, CPL adding another five majors to finish with ten goals after half time.
The dominant second half is just another scalp for the undefeated Lions side, who do not fear any side home or away. Their potency up forward once again was a major feature in the second half as the Pumas couldn’t contain the array of scoring power in the Lions side. Alex Wilson bagged four goals for the visitors, while Toby Darma was prominent with ball in hand. Lyndale brought good effort and pressure but the task of bringing down the top team proved too much. Manuel Jackonia and Moses Faaola can hold their heads high in what was a tough second half for the home side.
