By: Lachlan SHIRLEY

ROUND 6 of the Geelong Region Men’s Division 1 competition was played over the weekend with Geelong Rangers continuing their flawless start to the season, while Deakin likewise continued its recent run of good form with a fourth consecutive win.

PHOTO: A file photo of Geelong Rangers’ Darren McCallum in action against Breakwater Eagles last season (Photo: K-Van Photography)

It was a day to remember for the table topping Rangers as the hosts continued their unbeaten start to the season after embarrassing Barwon Heads at Myers Reserve in Bell Post Hill.

It was always going to be a tough game for the visitors, but it just wasn’t their day as Rangers put 17 goals past the Hammerheads to no reply.

Darren McCallum scored an impressive four goals, while Matthew Long scored a memorable hat-trick. John Mlondja, Zachary Harry and Troy Hardy all scored doubles while Marcus Van Der Chys wrapped up the goalscorers’ list for the Dark Blues with one goal.

This result sees Rangers continue its reign at the top of the table with 18 points from six games and a mammoth +31 goal difference. Barwon Heads have now fallen to 9^th position (second last) on the table and currently sits on 4 points with a -29 goal difference.

On Friday night, Corio hosted Lara United at Hume Reserve and the hosts came away with a valuable three points after they defeated United 2-1. Adam Kumcevski and Dragan Samardzic both contributed to their side’s win with singles apiece. Lara’s goalscorer was not submitted by the club.

Corio has kept up with second placed Deakin and third placed Surfside Waves and are only one point behind the duo. Lara are currently third last on the table with six points and a -2 goal difference.

Surf Coast defeated Drysdale 3-1 at Banyul Warri Reserve on Sunday. The Coasters have finally run into some good form after they didn’t have the best of starts to the season.

Rhys Clapp and Michael Simpson scored for Drysdale however it wasn’t enough to take the points away from Surf Coast as they scored three. Unfortunately, the goalscorers for Surf Coast were not submitted by the club.

Drysdale find themselves in 6^th position on the table with seven points. Surf Coast aren’t too far behind and have now lifted to 7^th spot on the table with six points after two consecutive wins.

Deakin Ducks left Breakwater Eagles stunned with a comprehensive 7-1 victory over the visitors at the Deakin University Sports Precinct in Waurn Ponds.

Daniel Lavelle scored a goal for the Eagles, but it was nothing more than a consolation goal. The goalscorers of Deakin’s seven goals were unfortunately not submitted by the club.

The Ducks are currently occupy 2^nd spot on the standings with 12 points, but at still a whopping six points behind Rangers who have been outstanding so far in 2018. Breakwater are still last with only one point and a -19 goal difference.

To wrap up the weekend’s action, Surfside Waves captured all three points at Grovedale Reserve after defeating Barwon 4-2. Adrian Vodopic, Matthew Sheen and Stuart Mandley all contributed to their team’s victory, the 4^th goal scorer for Surfside was not named, most likely an own goal. James Nichols scored Barwon’s two goals.

Surfside sit 3^rd on the table with 12 points, while Barwon currently find themselves in 5^th spot with 10 points.

Lachlan Shirley is a young SEDA student, currently doing work experience with FFV Geelong. He will be compiling regular weekly reports on the Geelong Region Men’s and Women’s Division 1 competitions.