Deakin University Ducks have leapfrogged Barwon SC into top spot on the Geelong Region Football League (GRFL) ladder following the completion of Round 11 action last weekend.

 The Students ran out convincing 4-1 winners over bottom side Corio at the Deakin Uni Top Fields on Sunday, thanks to goals by Jonathan Ray, Christopher De Hoog, Blake Harrison and Cameron Prowse-Wilkins.

 The previous league leaders, Barwon, meanwhile went down to Surfside Waves in a thriller, under lights on Friday night at Ocean Grove’s Shell Reserve. In the Round 11 match of the day, the game between the Waves and Barwon started off in quick fashion and both teams looked to move the ball quickly and put the opposition defences under early pressure.

 Barwon broke the deadlock first, with Oliver Hunniford scoring from an audacious volley outside the box, but Surfside was quick to equalise through Stuart Mandley. The Waves lifted the intensity, and were rewarded with a second goal after keeper Roscoe Holmes sent a goalkick sailing over the Barwon defence, which was pounced upon by Jack Pedler.

 The Waves tightened it up in the second half and some heavy rain made it hard for both teams to keep the ball on the deck. Barwon's pressure, however, led to an impressive solo goal from right back James Liddle. With the game seemingly headed towards a draw, some relentless attacking and hard work from the home side was rewarded with the winner, scored by Steve McGain, just seconds from time.

 The win sees Surfside jump into third on the ladder and relegate Barwon to fourth spot in what is shaping up as a tight contest for the coveted top ladder position.

 In the other Division One clash, a lone Michael Stokes goal enabled Geelong Rangers to overcome a plucky Drysdale SC and run out 1-0 winners at Myers Reserve as a result moving into second spot on the ladder, on equal points as leaders Deakin, albeit with an inferior goal difference.

 DIVISION TWO – ROUNDUP

 Lara SC has moved into the top four of the Second Division, following a stunning 5-1 thrashing of a depleted Elcho Park Cardinals in Round 11’s ‘Lara Derby’ on Sunday.

 The Cardinals, who were missing several key players, were no match for their rampant neighbours, with the Cats jumping into fourth spot on the ladder, courtesy of goals by Tom Zaleski, Dylan Weeks, Nicholas Tyrell and a brace from Ian McTavish.

 Division Two’s top three teams all recorded comfortable victories with leaders Surf Coast FC defeating Bell Park 5-1 on Friday night at Banyul Warri Reserve, while on Sunday second placed Barwon Heads overcame Drysdale by the same scoreline at Howard Glover Reserve and third placed Bellarine Sharks outclassing Breakwater Eagles 4-0 at the White Eagle Club.

DIVISION THREE – ROUND UP

 

In Division Three action, Deakin Ducks Green dropped to fourth spot on the ladder, after lowering their colours in a disappointing 0-4 loss to ladder leaders, Geelong SC, on Sunday at Stead Park.

 Michael Nikolovski scored a double for the Red and Blacks, while Zoran Talevski and Zoran Ristevski bagged one apiece.

 Deakin’s stumble allowed Surfside Waves White to jump into third spot, following a narrow 2-1 win over Drysdale SC at Howard Glover Reserve, while Corio Bay Blue maintained its grip on second spot following a win in a 4-3 thriller with Barwon White at Grovedale Reserve.