By: Ben SHEARS

ROUND 8 of the GRFC Men’s Over 35 Masters’ League saw second placed Elcho Park Cardinals defeat top side Bell Park 4-0 in a very one sided display at the Bell Park Sports Centre on Sunday.

PHOTO: Bell Park ‘keeper Joe Neri rolled his ankle and unfortunately had to leave the pitch on a stretcher (Photo: Ivan Deak).

The game was played on a heavy track and started off with both sides going forward in search of the opener. Only one goal was scored in the opening 45 minutes, that honour falling to burly Cardinals’ attacker Ivan Simic

Mid way through the second half, Bell Park goalkeeper Joe Neri rolled his ankle in goals and had to leave the pitch on a stretcher. Club president Nick Palmieri replaced him in goals but couldn’t stop the Cardinals’ onslaught led by former Socceroo Josip Skoko.

The second goal for Elcho Park was also scored by Simic, this time with his head, and was quickly followed by a Mijo Trupkovic thunderbolt. The final goal was claimed as an own goal, despite Skoko having a major influence in the strike.

In the Barwon v Drysdale clash on Friday night, Barwon came away with a 2-1 victory over the visitors after Gary Burton scored two deflected goals into the back of the net. Deane Wearne, currently the leader of the golden boot award in the Mens Master’s Division, netted the consolation goal for Drysdale.

The final clash which was supposed to take place on the weekend between Barwon Heads and Corio was forfeited by Corio due to a lack of numbers, giving Barwon Heads the three points ‘on a platter’.

Looking towards this weekend, Barwon will face off against Barwon Heads on Friday night at 8.30pm at Grovedale Reserve, while Corio and Bell Park will wait until Sunday to do battle at Hume Reserve, with kick off set down for 3.00pm.

The Drysdale v Elcho Park encounter has been postponed until the next catch up round in July.