By PAKENHAM GAZETTE SPORT
WELCOME to a new online feature of the Pakenham Gazette. Short and sharp reviews of the weekend’s action to guide you into the working week. The footy boys will rattle off 50 fast words apiece on the games that defined local football over the weekend.
VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
WINNING ways helped Casey downed Northern Blues by 42 points. Casey smashed Northern’s resolve in term two, kicking six, before holding on for victory. Leading the way were Jake Best, Max Gawn (three goals apiece), Viv Michie and James Strauss. Casey heads to Port Melbourne on Saturday.
TAC CUP
DANDENONG Stingrays were given a 31-point reality check by ladder-leading Oakleigh. After leading early in the second term – led by full forward Taylor Joyce (four goals) and a brace apiece from Aaron Wilson and Jack Lonie – the Dandenong effort fell away. Dandenong hosts Western this week.
GIPPSLAND gave a lesson to the visiting NSW/ACT Rams, downing the interstaters 13.13 (91) to 9.14 (68). A close game until the final term, the Power kicked away via Tom Papley and Declan Keilty (three goal each) to take the inspired 23-point win. Gippsland faces Sandringham on Saturday.
CASEY CARDINIA
PERRENNIAL grand finalist Cranbourne may miss a double-chance after Beaconsfield gave it a nine-goal touch-up. Beacy rattled on eight goals to two after the break, with youngster Jack Brown starring in a key defensive role. Narre Warren smashed Hampton Park by 188 points while Pakenham triumphed in a tough contest against Doveton.
ELLINBANK – WEST
KOOWEERUP continued its stellar form with a 53-point win over last year’s beaten grand finalists, the Bulldogs, 15.20 (110) to 8.9 (57). Craig Dyker was brilliant down back for Koowee, while Rob Beswick booted five. Elsewhere Cora Lynn cruised past Lang Lang, while Nar Nar Goon defeated Catani by 46.
ELLINBANK – EAST
The Dusties produced a huge fourth quarter to sneak past Buln Buln by just three points in a genuine blockbuster. Corey Nickels booted five goals for Warragul, while Shane Brewster was superb yet again. Meanwhile Neerim Neerim South overcame Nilma Darnum and Ellinbank toppled Nyora in the other finals-shaping clashes.
For more on the matches you love to watch (or read about), pick up this week’s copy of the Pakenham Gazette – available on Wednesday morning, or subscribe to the online edition at pakenham.starcommunity.com.au/epaper
