Gulls hang on in thriller

Nathan Carver booted four goals as Hampton Park made light work of Ashwood. 192904 Picture: ROB CAREW

By Hayley Wildes

AROUND THE GROUNDS

MORNINGTON PENINSULA NEPEAN

DIVISION 2 – ROUND 5

Pearcedale was unable to get back on the winners list, falling to Somerville at home. The Panthers were jumped in the first quarter and never got back into the contest.

Despite the best efforts of Jahron Ostrom and Jack McGuiness, Pearcedale was comprehensively beaten, 14.12 (96) to 6.5 (41).

Devon Meadows was in the game at half time against Tyabb, but just one goal in the second half saw them get beaten by 38 points.

A strong second quarter from the Panthers had them just eight points adrift at half time with Stefan Baumgartner and Leigh Craig in fine form. It was in the second half though when the damage was done as the Yabbies kicked six of the last seven goals to run away with the win, 13.12 (90) to 7.10 (52).

GIPPSLAND LEAGUE

ROUND 4

Warragul claimed its first win of the season in thrilling fashion against Leongatha. Taking on the Parrots, the Gulls led by one-point at quarter time and two points at the main break, before taking control of the game in the third term.

With Matthew Ross taking over, Warragul scored four goals to one in the third to take a 17-point lead into the final term.

Leongatha came again in the fourth, but Warragul did enough, clinging on for a nail-biting one-point win, 11.7 (73) to 10.12 (72). Ross (five goals) was a force up forward, while Mitch Nobelius was superb.

Drouin’s strong start to the season continued against Bairnsdale at home. The Hawks got off to a strong start to lead by 15 points at the first break, before the Redlegs got going in the second to take a four-point lead into the main break.

With it all on the line in the final term, Drouin did enough to keep Bairnsdale at bay, claiming a nine-point win, 12.13 (85) to 11.10 (76). James Ferguson and Bob McCallum were best for the Hawks.

EASTERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

ROUND 4

Rowville was completely outplayed from start to finish at home against Balwyn, suffering its first loss of the season. The Hawks’ inaccuracy in front of goal compounded their issues as they fell to the Tigers by 57 points, 13.13 (91) to 4.10 (34).

A 10-goal to two first half set up the win for Balwyn, while the Hawks were led by Mason Crozier and Nikolas Schoenmakers in a hard day at the office.

Noble Park was defeated by North Ringwood after falling behind in the second and third quarters and, despite a fourth quarter comeback attempt, lost by 16 points, 11.12 (78) to 9.8 (62).

Ali Zijai (three goals) and Jackson Sketcher did all they could for Noble Park.

SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

DIVISON 2 – ROUND 4

Doveton continued its unbeaten start to the season with a commanding 82-point win over Chelsea Heights, 20.14 (134) to 8.4 (52).

In a game of two halves, the Eagles found themselves down by five points at the main break but slammed on 10 goals to zero in the third frame to complete a 63-point turnaround in the quarter.

The damage up forward was done by Piva Wright (seven goals) and Ryan Hendy (six goals), while Cameron Carmody and Cory Wilson ran amok across the ground.

The Burras claimed a win against Hampton after a stirring fourth quarter effort. Dogged by inaccuracy in the first three quarters, Keysborough trailed by 12 points heading into the final term.

In need of a lift, the team put on five goals to one in the fourth to run away with an impressive 13-point win, 9.14 (68) to 8.7 (55). Bryce Sutton and Anthony Brannan were best for the Burras.

DIVISION 3 – ROUND 4

In Division 3, Hampton Park remains on top of the ladder and undefeated after accounting for Ashwood with ease, 15.10 (100) to 6.11 (47).

A six-goal to one opening term saw the Redbacks take control of the game and they never looked back as Nathan Carver (four goals), Mitch Woolgar and Luke Behin dominated.

Endeavour Hills sits second on the ladder after an important 10-point win over Black Rock. Despite inaccurate kicking, the Falcons hung on for the win, 7.14 (54) to 7.2 (44).

DIVISION 4 – ROUND 4

Lyndhurst sits atop the Division 4 ladder after claiming a cruisy win over Frankston. The Lightning, led by five goals from Jarryd McGrath and great games from Jay and Jesse Walia, got going after quarter time to run away with a 40-point win, 10.6 (66) to 4.2 (26).

Hallam suffered its first defeat of the season, unable to complete a comeback against South Yarra.

Trailing by 22 points at the final change, the Hawks had their chances in the final term, but fell seven points short, 7.7 (49) to 5.12 (42). Cameron Parker and Mitch Wood were for best for Hallam.

Lyndale recorded its first win of the season, scoring 10 of the last 12 goals to run away with a 29-point win, 18.10 (118) to 13.11 (89).

Trailing by 21 points at the main break, the Pumas needed goals and it was Trent Day and Trevor Kumetaitis (five goals each) who produced up forward. Anthony Koutsoubos and Jayden Denmead were also impressive.