By DAVID NAGEL AND JARROD POTTER
KEYSBOROUGH’S season clicked into the acceptable category on Saturday after the Burra scored their fifth win of the year with a 29-point win over a plucky Hampton Park at Robert Booth Reserve.
This one had tricky written all over it … the Burra travelling to the Redbacks’ home patch fully aware they had a big target on their backs. The Redbacks haven’t tasted success for almost two years to the day, and would have identified this as a golden opportunity for a win.
At quarter time, that looked a possibility.
With players like Nathan Dawes, Sean Winsall, Tim Schwab and Danny Cortese inspired, the Redbacks drew level with the Burra at the first break. But things turned pear-shaped from there.
The Burra raced to a 26-point lead at half time after a dominant second quarter that was spoilt by some wild inaccuracy in front of the big sticks. The visitors kicked 3.9 for the quarter to leave the door slightly ajar for the Redbacks to crawl through. The home side couldn’t muster a second half revival however, leaving Chris Bryan’s men to walk away with the four points.
Regular winners like Waata Wells, Dean Gentle, Geoff Humphreys and Jayke Hopkins had an influence for the Burra who welcome Tooradin to Rowley Allen Reserve this weekend.
VWFL – SOUTH EAST
THE final shots rung out before the VWFL South East finals campaign gets under way this weekend – with Keysborough and St John’s well poised for a crack at the premiership.
In a finals preview, Keysborough held at bay impressive VWFL debutants Seaford in a 15-point win away. Natalie Cardomone was crucial up forward, snaring five goals to guide the Burra victory while Jaimee Lambert kicked a pair to finish the regular season on 74 goals.
St John’s had a canter over lowly Chirnside Park – snaring an 83-point win as Michelle Densley bagged five goals to take out the home-and-away goalkicking crown with 79 majors. Ashlee Ladson, Kerry Trevillian and Rebecca Sadler kicked two goals each while Sarah Beattie and Maria Pickering were best afield.
Both semi-finals will be played this Sunday at Ben Kavanagh Reserve, Mordialloc – with St John’s clashing with Seaford at noon before Scoresby and Keysborough lock horns at 2pm.
VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
ST JOHN’S didn’t consign their season to the dustbin just yet – keeping a flicker of hope alive in their 36-point win over Monash Gryphons.
Posting a convincing 16.15 (111) to 11.9 (75) win over the Monash Gryphons, JOCs hit up Rohan Scott – giving him ample opportunity as he claimed six majors to earn a nod in the best on ground list and push him into fourth on the overall season goal-kicking with 50 goals against his name.
Glenn Costas and Travis Hendy claimed a pair of goals each while Jeremy Diaz, Rick Davis and Nathan Chalk all featured in the best.
St John’s theoretical finals chances rest on St Mary’s Salesians or Old Eltham Collegians dropping at least two of their final three matches and St John’s claiming two of three against upcoming opponent Yarra Valley – in second with 11-4 record, South Melbourne Districts and Old Eltham.
The JOCs host Yarra Valley at Thomas Carroll Reserve on Saturday.
SFL – DIVISION 2 and 3
Springvale Districts strolled over South Yarra – pumping the visitors by 134 points. It was a goalkickers’ paradise at Springvale Reserve, with David Ford (six goals), Gav Vassallo (five), Billy Athanasopoulos (four) and Rob Johnston (four) getting among the fun times. Tyson Bramble and Lance Baptist were best afield.
In the cross town showdown, Dandenong claimed victory over Sandown, knocking in a 12.14 (86) to 8.8 (56) win. Dylan Bracebridge, James Farrugia and Scott Murphy were best for the Redlegs while Shane Cosstick kicked three for the Cobras and the best were Matt Menzies, Ciaran O’Shaughnessy and Alex Chinery.
Lyndale ran away from Hallam in the last quarter to record an 11.13 (79) to 7.10 (52) win. Trevor Kumetaitis kicked three goals while Alex Bertucci and Jesse Ziino were in the best.
Sandown hosts Carrum Patterson Lakes, Dandenong will face Endeavour Hills at home while Lyndale travels to Mount Waverley.
