By RHYS WOOSNAM - Division 3 Seniors
THE undefeated Parkside suffered its first loss for the 2017 season, going down to the Wyndham Suns by 41-points.
The boilover has broken the premiership race wide open and means there is only eight points separating the top three teams. The Suns have been riding a wave of momentum in recent times and went into the match against Parkside with complete confidence.
They led at every change, and eventually iced the game in the final quarter, outscoring their opponents six goals to one.
Despite the margin, Parkside’s champion goalkicker Jason Cloke still had a tremendous game, booting nine majors to keep a hold of top spot in the league table.
Wyndham’s best players included Daniel Hovey (six goals), Hayden Iannacone and Rhys Bucktin. Both teams face tough challenges this week, with Parkside playing North Sunshine and the Suns battling Sunshine Heights.
The Roadrunners will be counting their lucky stars after escaping with a three point victory against bottom-placed Laverton. Struggling to hold onto their top four position, North Sunshine were challenged all day and actually kicked less goals than their opposition.
Laverton led by eight points after the first quarter, and then four points at the main change. A mini fightback saw North Sunshine take a five point lead into the last stanza, and ultimately they were able to hold on for a vital win.
Time will tell whether this game is a wake-up call for the inconsistent Roadrunners as they are just two points above their Sunshine rivals.
Laverton head into a game with third-placed Tarneit, who registered their seventh win of the season, holding off Braybrook by 34-points. An upset was on the cards early, as the Bombers managed a 13-point lead at quarter time.
Luckily for Tarneit they kicked into gear, booting 12 goals to five after the first break on their way to a relatively comfortable victory.
Their turnaround was bolstered by seven majors from Aaron Molivas who took his season tally to 22. The victors were also assisted by great efforts from Zach Thornton and Adam Mirklis.
Elsewhere, Sunshine Heights killed any hope of a miraculous mid-season comeback from Sanctuary Lakes, smashing them by 75-points at Ainsworth Reserve.
Sunshine continue to push for a top four finish to 2017 and with their current form are a very good chance of achieving their goal. With a superior percentage to fourth-placed North Sunshine, a continuation of their recent history should see them challenge the top teams come finals. Despite a slow start and a margin of just 21 at half-time, Sunshine Heights never looked like losing this game. They kicked away after half-time, but most importantly they shared the load.
Eleven individual goal kickers highlighted how dangerous they can be going forward and allows them to vary their attacking options when it counts.
TITANS FIRE AGAINST THE BOMBERS
By BEN CARDWELL - Division 3 Reserves
It was a mixed bag of games in Round 10 of the Division 3 reserves this week, with some close games and some comfortable wins.
If the winless Braybrook were encouraged by their near-win against North Sunshine last week, Tarneit never gave them an opportunity to show it off.
The firing Titans were in exceptional form, dominating the game in almost every facet of play.
Strong clearance work and exceptional short passing moving forward gave them repeated and efficient shots on goal.
Both of Braybrook’s goals came through free kicks leading to fifty-metre penalties in front of goal. This poor attitude and discipline was the only major weakness in Tarneit’s game, and they’ll have to ensure they don’t give away so many fifty-metre penalties against better teams that will make them pay.
Just ahead of Tarneit, Parkside still sit undefeated on the top of the ladder after their commanding win over the third-place Suns.
Wyndham fought back to within 13-points in the third quarter, but a huge fourth quarter from Parkside saw them kick six goals to Wyndham’s none and run away with the game.
The other Magpies, Laverton, recorded their second win of the season after they defeated North Sunshine by 19-points.
The Roadrunners held a two-point lead at half-time, but managed just two goals in the second half. David Longden starred with 4 goals, as Laverton finished the game in strong fashion.
In Sunshine, Heights claimed victory over Sanctuary Lakes.
Shadi Qunqar, Matthew Sposato and Lucas Williams all kicked three goals for the Dragons, and they were able to hold onto the lead despite a second half surge from the Sharks.
Next round, North Sunshine will host the reigning premiers Parkside at Dempster Park, while Braybrook will take the trip to Sanctuary Lakes.
Elsewhere, the in-form Tarneit and Laverton will do battle at Wootten Road, while Sunshine Heights and Wyndham will play off in a middle-of-the-table clash at Goddard Reserve.
Last Modified on 26/06/2017 14:11