By JARROD POTTER
DOVETON claimed a crucial two-point win over Keysborough at Rowley Allen Reserve to keep its finals-bound momentum going at the cost of the Burra.
After a fast-start that saw the Doves kick 5.4 to 4.3, to lead by seven points at quarter time, the story of the match became Doveton’s inability to convert goal-scoring opportunities.
Shannon Henwood must have been pulling his hair out as he watched his team kick 2.14 to 4.7 after quarter time to almost throw away victory.
Henwood would be most pleased with his side’s desire to win the footy when it counted most.
Trailing by seven points at the final break, Doveton’s season was on the line but players like Scott Dinsdale, Michael Laszczyk, Daniel Zajac and Frank D’Agostino responded, with the visitors kicking 1.5 to 0.2 to bank four crucial premiership points.
The Stocco boys, Matt and Shannon, kicked two each for the Doves while Keysborough forward Davor Rajic, returning fresh from a one-week hiatus, was the biggest and best forward on the ground, bagging five of his side’s eight goals.
Cory Hargreaves, Chris Capsalis, Tyson King and Mark Quiambao were best of the beaten brigade that gets a shot at redemption when they travel Hampton Park on Saturday.
SFL – DIVISION 2 and 3
Springvale Districts thumped Hampton 17.9 (111) to 11.10 (76) with the Demons kicking 10 goals in the third quarter to emphatically pull away from the Hammers.
Gav Vassolo booted five, David Ford had four while Justin Doust, Matt Campbell and Lance Baptist were also in the top performers.
Springvale Districts sits fifth in a three-way tie for third with Mordialloc and Murrumbeena and face South Yarra at home this week.
Dandenong claimed their biggest scalp yet, knocking off Mount Waverley 75-71 at the Mountain Lion’s den.
The Redlegs jumped out of the blocks, kicking four goals to zero in the first term, and held their lead throughout – despite a comeback from the home side.
David Barrie and David Mckean kicked three goals each while Chris Tosin, Chris Hatfield and Regan Hall excelled.
SANDOWN’S spirited run might have come to an end on Saturday with an upset win by Black Rock.
The Cobras couldn’t defend home turf, with the visitors overrunning them 8.9 (57) to 6.12 (48).
Mitch Gersbeck was best afield and had two goals for his troubles, while John Frenken, Matt Menzies and Jake D’Atri were also impressive.
With three rounds remaining, Sandown needs to win their remaining matches and for Ashwood to drop at least two to sneak into fifth.
Lyndale couldn’t get the job done against Ashwood – waywardly downed 7.16 (58) to 12.7 (79).
Brad Carroll kicked two goals while Matt Stuart, Shannon Deszcz and David Luong were best on ground.
Lyndale hosts Hallam while Dandenong and Sandown face off in the cross-town showdown.
VAFA – CLUB XVIII (3)
When Masala started their first season earlier this year, the net-result was a 21.15 (141) to 1.4 (10) loss to Richmond Central.
A few short months later and the Tigers have come on leaps and bounds – threatening their Richmond counterparts in a 38-point loss.
Prakash Kailsanathan kicked two goals while Ben Nugent, Arnaud Planche, Jason Young and erstwhile defender David Crkvenac were best afield.
So draws to an end Masala’s inaugural VAFA season with a 2-13 record.
VWFL – SOUTH EAST
THE status quo was maintained in the VWFL South East this weekend with St John’s and Scoresby cementing their spots at the top of the table.
St John’s showed newcomers Bayswater just what a top tier opponent can do – delivering a 130-6 thumping at Thomas Carroll Reserve.
The JOCs turned on the afterburners against the Bayswater brigade in the second half – kicking away with a 13-goal haul after the main break.
Michelle Densley kept the chances of a 100-goal season alive with another seven added to the tally – taking her to 74 this year.
Also feasting on the Bombers’ defence were Kerry Trevillian with a five-goal haul and Bronwyn Rogan, taking three for her own in the resolute victory.
Featuring in the best were Ashlee Ladson, Shannon Bell and Rhiannon Wood.
