By RHYS WOOSNAM – Division 3 Seniors
ROUND 8 of the Division 3 seniors was headlined by a thrilling clash between North Sunshine and Sanctuary Lakes that saw the second draw of the 2017 season.
With both sides looking for a victory to launch an attack on the top four, it came down to final quarter and a 66 all result.
The first half was a tight, dour contest, and the Sharks took a slight 13-point lead into the main break. After half time, they stretched the advantage out to 23-points and looked like running away with the contest.
This was subverted with a spirited comeback by North Sunshine, as they kept their rivals scoreless while kicking three goals five in the final stanza. The draw doesn’t help Sanctuary Lakes as they are currently sitting in second last position on a single win.
North Sunshine will look to start their June 17 clash with Braybrook the same way they finished this game, as wins become a vital commodity heading towards the second half of the year. The Sharks turn to a difficult contest against Tarneit.
Tarneit are losing their grip with the top two, after a disappointing loss to Sunshine Heights by 34-points. With only two losses on the board prior to Round 8, Tarneit would have entered this match with a decent amount of confidence in the result.
Sunshine Heights thought otherwise, leading at every change in a complete performance. They were spearheaded by four goals from Keelan Pritavera and three from surprise packet Robert Greto.
Tom Murray was best on ground for Sunshine Heights, while Tarneit were kept in the contest by Chris Benson and Thomas Weybury.
Elsewhere, the Wyndham Suns had a dominant victory over Braybrook. Daniel Hovey booted nine majors in the 116-point win as the Suns kept their momentum running.
At the pointy end of the ladder, Parkside continue to assert absolute dominance, notching their eighth win from as many starts. Their penniless victims were Laverton, as the Magpies were completely outclassed by 159-points.
Parkside’s percentage didn’t need any assistance, as it now sits at an unbelievable 311%. This was boosted by their marquee forward Jason Cloke who added seven goals to his tally of 44 for the year.
He was assisted by Jack Collard who kicked six, and Brayden Maynard with five. The match was relatively competitive for three quarters, as Parkside led by no more than 40 points, a small margin considering their current form.
The final quarter however, was as one sided a contest. A remarkable 19 goals were slotted by Parkside, as they stretched the margin to three figures and beyond. A display of unbelievable scoring power that has put the entire competition on notice.
If you weren’t convinced of Parkside’s premiership chances, you certainly are now.
TARNEIT SCORES COME FROM BEHIND VICTORY
By BEN CARDWELL – Division 3 Reserves
ROUND 8 of the Division 3 Reserves proved a mix bag of games on Saturday, as we saw everything from huge thrashings to storming second half comebacks.
The Dragons were looking ready to steal an upset win when they went into halftime with a 26-point lead at home over Tarneit.
But the Titans came out and took control completely, allowing Sunshine to score just one goal while piling on a huge 11 goals themselves.
Sunshine’s usage was clean and precise in the first, moving the ball well and exposing Tarneit’s defence. However, both teams looked completely different in the second half, as the Titans won clearance after clearance and their extremely strong forward line came out fired up.
Tarneit’s win keeps them within reach of the Parkside on the ladder, while Heights missed their opportunity to start pressuring the upper echelons of the competition.
Premiership favourites Parkside have claimed another huge victory, scoring 186 points themselves and keeping Laverton scoreless for the whole game.
Twelve players kicked goals for Parkside as they cemented themselves as the team to beat.
Over at Pennell Reserve the Suns claimed a resounding 110-point victory over Braybrook. This marks Braybrook’s eighth loss in eight games played, and they are looking in danger of repeating their winless season from last year.
In Sanctuary Lakes, the Sharks have moved above North Sunshine to fifth place on the table after their 38-point win over the Roadrunners. Zain Elbob stood out with a five-goal bag as the Sharks took control in the second quarter and held the lead all the way.
Next week’s Queen’s Birthday long weekend means no football, but Division 3 will return on the 17th of June with Round 9.
North Sunshine will look to bounce back at home against Braybrook, while Parkside will be out for another huge win when they host Sunshine Heights.
In Tarneit, Sanctuary Lakes will try to continue their climb up the ladder when they play the Titans, while Wyndham will be aiming to hand Laverton another big loss.
Last Modified on 05/06/2017 14:11