SENIORS
The Preston Bullants recovered from a goalless first quarter to defeat Emmaus St Leos by 28-points at a soggy Ruthven Reserve on Saturday.
The Animals registered three unanswered goals in the first term to put Preston on the back foot before the Ants pegged back the margin to two points at half time.
Preston dominated possession in the second half, attaining a twenty-point advantage at three-quarter time to put Emmaus beyond reach.
Contested ball-winners Chris Polidoras and kiss-bang Verga were the catalysts for the home side in the stoppage-based affair.
DPM kicked four goals in the clash, marking a return to form comprising of ten goals in the last three matches.
Jake Powell was silky in his first senior game since a hamstring injury derailed him earlier in the season, pairing well with compadre Sean Calcedo around the ground.
Preston will take a week to recover during the Queens birthday bye before returning to action away against Bulleen Templestowe in Round 10.
The win sees Preston move up to second on the ladder at the midway point of the season with a six win, two loss record.
The Round 10 contest will be played at the home of Damon Marcon, Ted Ajani Reserve in Manningham.
Preston Bullants 12. 12. (84) def.
Emmaus St. Leos 8. 8. (56)
Goal Kickers: D. Marcon 4, R. Buttigieg 2, S. Calcedo, A. Ricco, A. Verga, J. Powell, J. Phelan, C. Polidoras
Best Players: C. Polidoras, A. Verga, R. Jepson, N. De Andrade, L. Carter, D. Marcon
RESERVES
The Reserves continued their recent spate of form, blitzing Emmaus St Leos to the tune of 132-points on Saturday.
The result moves the team up to third on the ladder following three consecutive wins following a gallant ten-point loss to the undefeated MHSOB in round six.
Preston booted six goals in the first quarter to take the sting out of the contest early before kicking away in the last in a percentage boosting win.
The game saw a return to action for Bullants stalwarts Jordan Hull and Sam Maatouk, with Maatouk laying a series of trademark tackles for the home side.
Dylan Brooks played his best game for the season off half-back with great disposal and outside running.
Thomas Evans found himself among the goalkickers for the consecutive week with five, while Lachlan McRedmond and Eamonn Scott contributed with four each.
The team accomplished the result without the assistance of spiritual leaders Brady Parke and Nicholas Spagnolo who were both sidelined by injury.
Preston will take on fifth-placed Bulleen Templestowe following the bye, where they will hope to make amends for their loss earlier in the year.
Preston Bullants 25. 14. (164) def.
Emmaus St Leos 4. 8. (32)
Goal Kickers: T. Evans 5, L. McRedmond 5, E. Scott 4, M. Humphries 2, J. Hull 2, S. Clarkson 2, S. Maatouk 2, A. Rondinelli, D. Neilson, M. Wilson
Best Players: D. Brooks, C. Beaty, L. McRedmond, E. Scott, S. Clarkson, M. Humphries
UNDER 19’S
The Under 19’s had their best win of the season, triumphing over the previously undefeated AJAX by one point in the first game of the day.
AJAX came back after trailing by 13 points at three quarter time but Preston courageously held on for a hard fought win.
Captain’s BJ Hutchinson and Christian Usienov both steered their side valiantly with two goals apiece while Marc Demaria also booted two.
Ben Twite performed well in his return from injury, servicing the likes of Andre Marcon and Jonah Taylor at the stoppages.
The Bullants cemented themselves at fourth on the ladder following the win, two games clear of Peninsula in fifth place.
The Under 19’s next opponent will be Therry Penola away at John Pascoe Fawkner Reserve after the bye.
Preston Bullants 11. 7. (73) def.
AJAX AFC 11. 6. (72)
Goal Kickers: M. DeMaria 2, C. Useinov 2, B. Hutchinson 2, A. Marcon, B. Waters, B. Millman, J. Mazzone, J. Hamilton
Best Players: B. Hutchinson, B. Twite, J. Taylor, C. Useinov, M. Manteit, D. Cronin
Last Modified on 08/06/2016 19:11