By JARROD POTTER
VAFA DIVISION 2 – Round 9
EMBARRASSED out of the contest after half-time, St John’s winning streak was obliterated by a fast-finishing Ivanhoe.
While it took a slender lead into the half – on the back of some superb forward work from Tim Edwards (8 goals) – St John’s watched its lead evaporate under extreme pressure from the visitors.
Ivanhoe booted 10 goals in the third term to run away with the match at Thomas Carroll Reserve and leave St John’s with a significant challenge on its radar in the return leg on 15 August.
A 14-goals to four scoreline after the main break spelled the end of any chance of the JOCs rallying and with significant injuries to Ben Ayache – out for the season with a torn ACL – and Matt Nicholson (ankle/Achilles), the first signs of strain are starting to show in St John’s premiership campaign.
Gallantly battling from the ruck, Dan Cattolico was best afield alongside Edwards, Rhys Dyker and Glenn Costas.
Slipping to second for the first time this season, St John’s faces Northern Blues away on Saturday.
VAFA DIVISION 4
MASALA made a red-hot effort of its clash against South Mornington, but were unable to hold on to a three-quarter-time lead.
The Dandenong-based Tigers battled… the visiting Tigers… but it wasn’t meant to be for Masala as South Mornington kicked away to win by 14 points. Jordan Toikalkin (6 goals), James Jacques, David Crkvenac and Larwrence Bradford were best afield. Masala heads to Chadstone this weekend.
EFL DIVISION 1 – Round 9
ALMOST letting in the upset of the season, Noble Park was jumped early by wooden spoon contenders Lilydale, but managed to scramble to save the points.
Giving the opposition nine first-term scoring shots, and thankfully for the Bulls the home side could not kick straight, ended the opening stanza with the Bulls 2.3 (15) to Lilydale’s 0.9 (9).
It would continue that way for both sides as scoring proved difficult at Lilydale, but the likes of Trent Cody and Shayne Allan (3 goals each) managed to boot the crucial goals when needed as the Bulls finished off with a 15-point triumph.
Piva Wright – who is relishing his re-promotion to the first side – was best afield along with Josh Ferguson and Trent Robertson.
In the battle for second spot, Noble Park now travels to Vermont for what will be one of the better matches in Dandenong-area football this season.
