Demons fire up for away victory

By Paul Pickering
SPRINGVALE Districts chalked up its first away victory for the season on Saturday, holding off a fast-finishing Tooronga Malvern to win by 10 points at Dunlop Reserve.
The Demons jumped their hosts to lead 4.6 to 0.2 at the first break and increased the margin to 35 points by three-quarter time.
Not even a seven-goal final term from Tooronga Malvern could bridge the gap, with Springvale Districts holding on to record its third win of 2009.
In-form Demon Luke Swan produced another best-on-ground performance, receiving plenty of assistance from youngster Jay Piggin and defender John McMurray.
Former Noble Park junior Trevor Kumetaitis led the way up forward with four goals, while Brad Heuvel and Gavin Vassallo chipped in with two apiece.
Elsewhere in Division One, ex-AFL player Darren Walsh was the match-winner for Chelsea Heights against Dingley.
The former Bomber booted five goals in a low-scoring affair to guide his team home by 12 points.
The Dingoes led by that margin at quarter time, but faded to lose each of the remaining stanzas.
Ruckman Chris Morgan booted two and was the standout performer for the visitors, while stocky midfielder Luke Bartholomew and proven ball-winner Bret Lavars made handy contributions.
In Division Two, Lyndale matched it with Caulfield in the first and last quarters, but capitulated in between on their way to a 49-point defeat.
Ever-reliable skipper Jeff Dudi was the Pumas’ best for the afternoon, with the goals split between Matt Caples, Christian Egan and Adrian McCracken (two each).
Caulfield’s Ryan McEvoy booted an even half dozen to help the Bears stay within one win of the finals bracket.
Emerging Division Three heavyweights Doveton Eagles survived an almighty scare to overcome Cerberus by nine points at the Navy base.
The Eagles led by 23 points at the last change and took their feet off the gas, inviting a late rally from the home side.
Daniel Selman (three) and Nick Paynter were among those who stood up when required, while Cerberus’ Andrew Baldwin (five) almost guided his side to an upset victory.
Meanwhile, Sandown was probably flattered by the final scoreline in its 33-point loss to Hampton.
The wasteful Hammers booted 11.21 for the afternoon, equating to 18 more scoring shots than the hometown Cobras.
Shane Cosstick was Sandown’s best again, for the fourth time in seven seniors outings in 2009, while Clint Sheedy led the goal-kickers with three.
The Cobras were never in it after kicking just two behinds to Hampton’s 5.4 in the opening quarter.
The picture was no prettier for struggling Dandenong at Greaves Reserve, where the Redlegs copped a demoralising 104-point pasting from Mount Waverley.
Dandenong could manage just two goals for the afternoon, despite the best efforts of Jake Ward, Damien Busch and Max Little.