SENIORS
The Preston Bullants ended St Johns undefeated start to 2016 with a nine-point win in a scintillating contest between first and second on the ladder on Saturday.
Preston trailed by 34 points at three quarter time before an eight-goal final quarter steered them to victory at Ruthven Reserve.
The JOCs stormed out of the gates with five unanswered goals in the first quarter as Glenn Costas ran riot across the ground.
Both sides registered two goals apiece in the second as the contest turned into an arm wrestle.
Dean Calcedo initiated the resurgence midway through the third term, playing inspired two-way football combining manic pressure and fierce attack on the ball.
The midfield brigade including Jay Phelan and Sean Calcedo followed Dean’s lead to seize back possession and regain momentum at the stoppages.
Roland Buttigieg put in his best performance for the year, playing with increased vigour across half-forward.
Damon Marcon topped the goalkickers with three majors, extending his purple patch of form to 17 goals from our last five matches.
Competition leading scorer Aaron Thornton was kept relatively quiet registering just three of St Johns 12 goals.
Preston remains second on the ladder after ten rounds with only percentage separating them and third placed West Brunswick.
We will take on West Brunswick this weekend in a blockbuster clash at Ruthven Reserve from 2pm.
Preston Bullants 13. 9 (87) def.
St Johns OC 12. 6 (78)
Goal Kickers: D. Marcon 3, R. Buttigieg 2, S. Calcedo 2, L. Carter 2, O. Clark, J. Powell, M. Cigagna, K. Beaumont
Best Players: A. Verga, D. Sansonetti, D. Wakim, S. Towers, O. Clark, R. Jepson
RESERVES
The Reserves won their fifth consecutive match, dismantling an undermanned St Johns by 111 points at Ruthven Reserve.
The win puts the team a game clear of Bulleen and Yarra Valley at third on the ladder, with both teams chasing places in the top four.
Old man Hooper was among Preston’s best on and off the field in an eventful afternoon for the veteran.
Gorkhan Taniyan continues to improve each week, kicking his first goal for the club alongside Johnson Barker who kicked the first for the match.
Lachlan McRedmond and Chris Polidoras couldn’t be contained by the Jocs defence, combining for eight goals up forward.
The Reserves will take on second placed West Brunswick this Saturday, where they’ll hope to make amends for their 105-point round one loss.
Preston Bullants 17. 25 (127) def.
St Johns OC 2. 4 (16)
Goal Kickers: L. McRedmond 5, C. Polidoras 3, M. Humphries 2, D. Brooks, S. Keillor-Reed, S. Brown, J. Baker, E. Scott, A. Rondinelli, G. Taniyan
Best Players: G. Taniyan, K. Neil, M. Hooper, B. Parke, L. McRedmond, E. Scott
UNDER 19s
The Under 19s bounced back from a disappointing loss to Therry Penola, defeating third placed PEGS by 40 points away at PEGS oval.
Preston stormed out of the gates to lead by 65 points at half time then held off an improved effort from the home side in the second half.
Ten separate goalkickers combined for the Bullants 14 goals, utilising a solid team performance in the win.
Jordan Hamilton and Michael Efremidis were our best performers on the day.
It doesn’t get any easier for the under 19s as they will need to defeat Peninsula OB at Ruthven Reserve this week to remain in fourth place.
PEGS 8.9 (57) def. by
Preston Bullants 14.13 (97)
Goal Kickers: C. Giali - Brosnan 2, C. Useinov 2, B. Millman 2, M. Efremidis 2, M. DeMaria, A. Cherubin, J. Mazzone, T. Hickland, T. Beck, B. Hutchinson
Best Players: J. Hamilton, M. Efremidis, M. Manteit, B. Millman, B. Hutchinson, S. Di Palma
Last Modified on 29/06/2016 17:35