By RHYS WOOSNAM - Division 3 Seniors
ROUND 7 saw many smashings as the top teams continued to assert their dominance and lock away important victories.
In a slightly uncompetitive weekend of football, every game was won by more than 10 goals as the contenders separated themselves from the pretenders. As we head into the winter months, there are three teams with clear finals aspirations, with a significant chasm to fourth position and onwards. Parkside, Wyndham Suns and Tarneit all registered wins as they continue their hot form in 2017.
Parkside had the better of Braybrook for much of their game, running out victors by 71-points. It was an even contribution from their forward lined combined with a midfield dominance that led to the win.
Goalkicking maestro Jason Cloke kicked four as did James Keenan, while Benjamin Ashman kicked three and Chris Muratore contributed two majors.
While Braybrook took a slight lead into quarter time, afterwards it was all Parkside as they outscored the Bombers 14 goals to just three. Round 8 will see Braybrook attempt to topple another strong side as they battle the Wyndham Suns while Parkside should be able to continue their winning streak against Laverton.
Laverton were unfortunate to have the biggest loss of the round, going down to Sunshine Heights by a whopping 116-points. The thumping sees them at the bottom of the ladder with just one victory in seven games.
The win was so important for Sunshine Heights as it places them at the top of the logjam between fourth and sixth on the ladder. They defeated Laverton in dominant fashion, opening a 42-point lead after the first break and extended in every quarter thereafter.
The percentage booster saw Keelan Pritavera move into second spot on the goal kicking table with five majors. He was supported in attack by James Kapetanios (four) and Jamie Porter (three).
The other two contenders Wyndham Suns and Tarneit both had comfortable wins over lower opponents, besting Sanctuary Lakes and North Sunshine respectively. The Suns victory saw them consolidate second spot on the table as they led at every change to finish 80 points ahead.
Tarneit on the other hand waited until the second half to put the foot on the pedal, kicking 10 goals to four to win by 80 points as well.
Moving into Round 8 we will notice some urgency from the lower teams as they strive for premiership glory from a long way back. For the contenders, it’s about banking points early on, in case of injuries or suspension to key players later in the season. Parkside are the definitive frontrunners, but with 11 rounds remaining, it’s anyone’s guess who takes the title from here.
LAST QUARTER EFFORT SEALS VICTORY FOR THE SUNS
By BEN CARDWELL – Division 3 Reserves
IT was a blustery day at Featherbrook Reserve in Sanctuary Lakes, but it was Wyndham that held on for the win in what was easily the closest game of Round 7.
The Sharks looked like they were going to cause an upset when they got to within a point in the final quarter, but a late goal to the Suns against the flow of the game sealed them the win.
The momentum went back and forth between the two teams, and while both had chances to take control, but it was the Sharks who languished set shots and opportunities at the death, ultimately costing them the win.
While relatively low scoring, the game looked like a shootout, with much of the play in both teams forward lines.
The win is useful for Wyndham, who are trying to stay within reach of league leaders Tarneit and Parkside and keep themselves above the middle band of teams on the ladder.
Over at Pennell Reserve, premiership favourites Parkside recorded the biggest winning margin of the reserves season, beating Braybrook by a huge 163-points.
The Magpies’ Matthew Radziejewski followed on his stellar form from last week, kicking nine goals and taking his tally to 18 goals in just four games.
In Sunshine, the Dragons continued their good run, beating Laverton by 88-points. Sami Qunqar kicked seven for Sunshine Heights, as they won their third game in a row.
In contrast, Heights’ crosstown rivals North Sunshine will be looking to bounce back from their recent poor form, particularly after their 110-point loss at the hands of Tarneit.
Titans’ goal machine Samuel Ingham extended his lead as the leading goal kicker, slotting seven majors.
The Roadrunners will look forward to next week, as they’ll hope to notch an away win against the Sharks at Sanctuary Lakes in Round 8.
Sunshine Heights will host Tarneit, while Parkside will head out to Laverton as the two Magpies go head-to-head. Wyndham will also look for a percentage boost when they take on the luckless Braybrook.
Last Modified on 30/05/2017 11:03