By JARROD POTTER
SOUTHERN FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Division 2 – round 14
IT ALL started well enough for Springvale Districts.
A free kick to Gavin Vassallo earned the Demons the first goal of the day and an early lead over SFL Division-2 ladder-leaders Mordialloc. That would be the only highlight of the day as the visitors eviscerated the Demons by 111 points in steadily degrading conditions at Newcomen Road. The Demons only kicked another two behinds for the day as the Bloods kicked the next 17 goals undisturbed. Saved only by the wayward kicking of the visitors, shanking 19 behinds, it could have been much worse for the Districts who now need a miraculous run of high-margin victories and luck to fall their way to stand any hope of making the final five. Vassallo, Craig Keenan and Jackson Bolch were the best performers on a dog day.
Their last month of home-and-away football starts on Saturday as the Demons face Murrumbeena at home.
Division 3 – round 15
SANDOWN claimed the points against Dandenong – running away with the match after half-time to keep its finals’ chances alive.
The Cobras shook off the Redlegs through the second term as Jason Toan (5 goals) found his kicking boots while Mitch Gersbeck (3 goals) kicked his bag and also featured in the best afield. For Dandenong, Ryan Forsyth (2 goals) continued his strong season while Kevin Atkin and Regan Hall also shone for the visitors.
Lyndale belted Hallam by 149 points to give its percentage a shot in the arm. Led by Trevor Kumetaitis up forward, drilling five goals, and receiving the hard won footy gift-wrapped by midfielders Trent Day (4 goals), Dale Tormey (2 goals) and Ben Cox (2 goals) – the Pumas rise to third on the ladder with a handy buffer over their chasers Black Rock and Sandown.
VICTORIAN AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
DIVISION 2 – round 14
RELIVING their 2011 Division-2 grand final, St John’s almost played into déjà vu as it kicked 11.10 (76) to take a 26-point win over Glen Eira.
On that fabled day three Septembers ago, the JOCs kicked 11.8 (74) to take the trophy by 28 points over Glen Eira and promotion to Division 1.
Starring on Saturday were Aaron Abela (4 goals), Kane Arnold (2) and Glenn Costas (2) with Ben Ayache scrapping it out on the wings and through the midfield to also impress.
Although its Division 1 ambitions ended quickly after just one season, the JOCs remain in the hunt for this year’s Division 2 title and a chance to regain promotion.
The win gives St John’s fifth place by one match and trail fourth placed Old Paradians by four points. The next challenge is St Mary’s Salesian at home on Saturday.
