By Travis Parnaby
Northern accounted for Calder by 69 points in the clash of the northern suburbs rivals. The Knights five goals to nil first quarter paved the way for the win and a decisive seven-goal third term finished the job. Kane Lambert (27 touches) starred in the midfield with four goals and key forward Tom Hill snagged five goals from 18 possessions. Cannon Brendan Fewster was unyielding in the ruck.
Murray defeated an inaccurate Bendigo by 43 points. The Bushrangers were 14 points ahead at half-time and cruised home on the back of a seven goal to two second half. Murray’s Sam Caruso was lively with 32 touches while Pioneer Brad Eagle found the footy on 30 occasions.
Geelong moved five games clear atop the ladder, with an authoritative 34-point home win over second-placed Dandenong. Geelong swamped the Stingrays and conceded only one goal in the first half. Classy midfielder Allen Christensen chalked-up 28 disposals and kicked a goal for the Falcons while Dandenong skipper Ryan Bastinac battled hard for the Stingrays with 21 possessions.
A brilliant game from Scott Sherlock saw Western comfortably home by 47 points over Sandringham. Sherlock amassed a game-high 35 disposals to go with two goals. The Dragons best was Jack Purton-Smith, who had 31 disposals and nine clearances.
North Ballarat turned around a 61-point drubbing at Dandenong last week to hand Gold Coast a 14-point defeat. The Rebels led by 22 points at the final change and survived a goalless last quarter to secure the win. Defender Nathan Kelly starred down back with several gutsy spoils and Dean Gavin (29 touches) was busy in the engine room.
Gippsland continued its charge towards September with a 79-point defeat of Oakleigh. A 25-hit out game from ruckman Nathan Vardy and the clean skills of centreman Edward Carr stitched-up the win. Rover Tim Northe jagged five goals at the feet of full-forward John Butcher, who also added five majors. Ryan Lester was Oakleigh’s best.
In Round 17, top eight sides Eastern and Calder play at Box Hill City Oval and Murray challenges Dandenong. Sunday, North Ballarat hosts Geelong in a country clash, home team Oakleigh faces Northern, Bendigo takes on Western at Golden Square and the Gold Coast is home to Sandringham. Gippsland has the bye.
Last Modified on 07/04/2010 15:22