By Carli Mitchell
GEMBROOK Cockatoo hosted Upwey Tecoma, and despite the visitors’ early lead, went on to record a thrilling four-point win in the YVMDFL competition.
Gembrook hit the lead by the end of the third quarter after they kicked six goals to one before the last break. Gembrook’s Andrew Walker was the star with four goals as his side rose to fourth on the ladder.
Healesville v Mount Evelyn
Although Mount Evelyn’s form had been ordinary for the past month, the side bounced back in style on the weekend when it travelled to Healesville. The home side’s Luke Barclay kicked an impressive nine goals but he was unable to lift his team over the line. Mount Evelyn’s pressure saw the home side only kick three goals after half-time, with Michael Rowe (three goals), Wade Lees (one) and Sam Harrod instrumental in their side’s win.
Warburton Millgrove v Olinda Ferny Creek
In what was one of the top games of the round, Warburton Millgrove hosted Olinda Ferny Creek in a match that got the adrenaline pumping. Scores were close throughout the day, with the lead changing frequently. Despite being four goals up at three-quarter-time, Olinda almost let the game slip in the final quarter, but with Nick Broomhall (three goals), David Noorda and Glenn Stevens leading the way, it came away with a nervous four-point win.
Wandin v Woori Yallock
Wandin played host to Woori Yallock in yet another of the round’s gripping contests. Although Woori Yallock led in the first half, Wandin made its move in the second as accurate goal kicking helped the fightback. The Woori boys ultimately kicked themselves out of the match, but Wandin’s second-half pressure was key in its five-point victory.
Yarra Glen v Monbulk
Sitting pretty on top of the ladder, Monbulk headed to Yarra Glen, and although the home side started off well, it managed only one goal in the second quarter. Although Yarra Glen got the better of the top side in the third quarter – kicking four goals to two – the damage had already been done. With Shannon Koole and Matthew Thurkle leading the way, Monbulk ran away to a 33-point win.
@BT Sport Sub Mail:UNDER 18
Gembrook Cockatoo v
Upwey Tecoma
Upwey Tecoma played a great game to keep the home side Gembrook Cockatoo goalless for the first half of their match. Upwey held an 11-goal lead heading into half time – allowing it to come away with the four points, despite a strong second-half showing from the Brookers.
Warburton Millgrove v
Olinda Ferny Creek
Olinda Ferny Creek travelled to Warburton and dominated, winning by almost 100 points. The visiting team was focused from the opening bounce, not allowing the opposition any opportunity to get near the football.
Healesville v Mount Evelyn
Healesville hosted Mount Evelyn in a low-scoring game. With the lead changing frequently throughout the match, Mount Evelyn finally made its move in the last quarter – kicking two goals to nil. Daniel Fraser (two goals), Jarrod Davis (one) and Robert Ratcliff were Mount Evelyn’s best, while for Lindsay Rowe (two goals), Brenton Gibbs and Jack Dryden toiled hard for Healesville.
Wandin v Woori Yallock
Wandin and Woori Yallock’s match was always going to be a close affair, but after a difficult first quarter, Wandin was just too far behind the eight-ball to get back into the game. Kody Busoli, Jason van der Vlugt and Luke Boontjes were Woori Yallock’s best, while Christopher Ruhl, Joshua Chamberlain and Liam McGookin stood tall for Wandin.
Yarra Glen v Monbulk
Yarra Glen played a great game against Monbulk, keeping the visiting side to only one goal for the game. Although both sides were wayward in front of kick goal (Yarra Glen’s 8.12 to Monbulk’s 1.4), it came down to which could make the most of the conditions. Yarra Glen simply played better wet-weather footy in a 50-point win.
@BT Sport Sub Mail:DIVISION 2
Alexandra v Yarra Junction
Yarra Junction headed to Alexandra and walked away with a thrilling five-point win. Alex started well, but struggled throughout the second and third terms, as Junction led by four goals at the final break. But Alexandra was unlucky in defeat, producing a seven-goal-to-three last quarter.
Kinglake v Emerald
Kinglake hosted Emerald at the weekend and kept the game close, staying within 10 points at half-time.
But the three-quarter-time break rejuvenated the visitors as they kicked seven goals to two for the win.
Powelltown v Belgrave
Powelltown’s great recent form continued on the weekend as its win over Belgrave now has the side just a win and a half out of the top four. The visiting team led at every break except the one that mattered most, as the home side produced a great final term – kicking 10 goals to three and winning convincingly.
Yea v Seville
Seville’s relentless attack on the ball had home side Yea struggling under the visitors’ pressure. The margin grew bigger at each break and more out of reach for the home side as it had only 13 scoring shots to the visitors’ 36.
@BT Sport Sub Mail:UNDER 18
Kinglake v Emerald
Emerald travelled to Kinglake and despite the home side leading at quarter-time, it trailed behind Emerald for the rest of the match. Kinglake was kept to just five goals – including a goalless final term. Kinglake just could not get its hands on the footy as it crumbled under Emerald’s pressure.
Powelltown v Belgrave
Belgrave played well against home side Powelltown, with its win propelling it up the ladder. But an undermanned Powelltown was gallant in defeat, kicking five goals in a persistent effort. Belgrave ultimately ran wild, going on to kick 17.14 and win by about 100 points.
Yea v Seville
Seville produced a great game against Yea on the weekend, with a win further cementing the side on top of the ladder. From the start the hosts proved no match for the top side, as they were unable to score a goal in the first quarter and scored only five for the game. Seville, on the other hand, was ruthless in its quest for the four points.
