By JARROD POTTER
SFL – Round 2
SLUGGISHNESS proved lethal for Springvale Districts’ cause in its 36-point home-ground defeat against Oakleigh District.
After a power-packed start – with livewire midfielder Sojitha Jayasinghe (two goals) hitting the scoreboard with a beautiful snap from the boundary – the Demons had to watch on as the visitors slotted five unanswered goals to end the term 28-points ahead.While the Newcomen Road brigade rallied to claw its way back, Oakleigh District had all the answers and fended off the home side to finish 11.15 (81) to 6.9 (45).
The likes of Rob Johnston, Jackson Bolch, evergreen defender Justin Doust and Ben Stacey (three goals) led the Demons’ best.
Springvale Districts is away to Heatherton on Saturday.
Keysborough stormed its way to second on the SFL Division-2 ladder with a comprehensive 74-point belting of Murrumbeena. Tyson King (six goals) excelled from the forward-arc and is relishing the new standard after switching from Casey Cardinia last year. Also starring were Geoff Humphreys, Scott Chamberlain and Will Gayfer. Keysborough hosts Hampton this weekend in a battle between second and third.
DIVISION 3
LYNDALE ran away with the points against Southern Dragons, booting five goals in the last term to seal a 10.20 (80) to 8.12 (60) victory. Wayward kicking almost cost the Pumas – as the visitors conceded 15 behinds to three-quarter-time to be level with the much more accurate Dragons. The kicking boots finally arrived for the Halton Road men as Mohammad Babar and Jared Henshew (three goals each) found the bigger uprights when it mattered most.
Sticking fat to last year’s side-to-beat Carrum Patterson Lakes, Sandown Cobras composed an admirable effort – despite conceding six-goals in the opening term. The Cobras rallied through Mitch Uaongo and Ciaran O’Shaughnessy (two goals each) while Luke Newton and Luke Williams also impressed.
Dandenong was brushed aside by Black Rock in a 138-point demolition.
VAFA – Round 2
DESPITE a hiccup after half-time, St John’s steadied to compose a heavenly 15.12 (102) to 10.11 (71) win against the Northern Blues.
The visitors stormed back into the clash after the main break, booting four goals to get within one major at the last change.
JOC’s coach Ben McGee implored his players to return to their best and attack the Blues where it hurts most – the scoreboard.
Finding its way once more, St John’s made sure everyone in Division 2 has them pegged as a contender as the Dandy boys booted six goals in the final term to run out 31-point victors.
Tim Edwards (six goals), Aaron Thornton (four goals), Glenn Costas and Matthew Nicholson were the standout JOCs.
Masala was not as fortunate in its Round-2 clash, downed by Division-4 powerhouse Canterbury, losing by 63 points. A shocking conversion rate failed the Tigers in their cause with Masala booting six goals to its whopping 12 behinds. Sam Freeman (three goals) was one to find the middle of the goals while Ben Nugent and Matt Decarne were best afield. Masala has a bye this weekend.
