By Jonty Ralphsmith
Young goalkicker Patrick Ireland has continued his goal-kicking ways, nabbing seven majors in Buln Buln’s 16.14 110 to 6.8 44 victory over Trafalgar.
The Lyrebirds opened up a 34-point quarter time lead, extending the lead at every break, with the teenaged Ireland lifting his goal-kicking to 27, behind only champion forwards Jason Wells (Longwarry) and Marc Holt (Lang Lang).
The addition of Ireland from Warragul has enhanced the reigning premiers’ scoring potency after they were the highest scoring side in 2023, and had three of the top 12 goal-kickers in the competition.
Ireland was complemented by hard-working forward Matthew Grey, while midfielders Trent Baker, Mitch Nobelius and Cam McPhan all led the charge for the undefeated hosts.
Lang Lang got the better of Nilma Darnum 18.12 120 to 9.8 62.
While an expected result, Chaise Brown and Jesse Hand combining for 11 goals would have been pleasing for a team whose forward-line has been led by Marc Holt so far this season, until his absence on the weekend.
Nima Darnum stayed in touch with the Tigers at halftime, before the hosts unleashed a 10 goal to three second half to flex their muscle and maintain a four-point buffer on top of the ladder.
Catani went down 4.7 30 to Poowong’s 8.13 61 despite Jack Roberts playing a strong game and Brodie White continuing his fine vein of form.
Longwarry had a disappointing defeat at the hands of Neerim, going down 16.17 113 to 9.3 57 despite the best efforts of stalwart Ben Cuckson.
Ellinbank had a big 33.19 217 to 1.3 9 victory over Nyora, kicking 20 goals after halftime as Shaun Phelan contributed eight and Campbell Jolly and Rhys Slater four apiece.
Ladder: Lang Lang 20, Buln Buln 16, Neerim South 16, Ellinbank 12, Longwarry 12, Nilma Darnum 8, Poowong 8, Trafalgar 4, Yarragon 4, Catani 0, Nyora 0.
Fixture: Longwarry v Ellinbank, Catani v Neerim South, Nilma Darnum v Poowong, Nyora v Buln Buln, Trafalgar v Yarragon.
