By Hayley Wildes
In a tough day for local teams, Rowville and Noble Park both tasted defeat for the first time this season in the Eastern Football League on Saturday.
Rowville was completely outplayed from start to finish at home against Balwyn. The Hawks’ inaccuracy in front of goal compounded their issues as they fell to the Tigers by 57 points, 13.13 (91) to 4.10 (34).
A 10-goal to two first half set up the win for Balwyn, while the Hawks were led by Mason Crozier and Nikolas Schoenmakers in a hard day at the office.
The Noble Park side was defeated by North Ringwood. The Bulls fell behind in the second and third quarters and, despite a fourth quarter comeback attempt, lost by 16 points, 11.12 (78) to 9.8 (62).
Ali Zijai (three goals) and Jackson Sketcher did all they could for Noble Park.
Meanwhile, in Division 2 of the Southern Football League, Doveton, Keysborough and Springvale Districts all claimed strong wins.
The Eagles continued their unbeaten start to the season with a commanding 82-point win over Chelsea Heights, 20.14 (134) to 8.4 (52).
In a game of two halves, Doveton found itself down by five points at the main break but slammed on 10 goals to zero in the third frame to complete a 63-point turnaround in the quarter.
The damage up forward was done by Piva Wright (seven goals) and Ryan Hendy (six goals), while Cameron Carmody and Cory Wilson ran amok across the ground.
The Burras also remain undefeated, courtesy of a stirring fourth quarter effort against Hampton. Dogged by inaccuracy in the first three quarters, Keysborough trailed by 12 points heading into the final term.
In need of a lift, the team put on five goals to one in the fourth to run away with an impressive 13-point win, 9.14 (68) to 8.7 (55). Bryce Sutton and Anthony Brannan were best for the Burras.
Springvale Districts’ rugged defence proved too strong for Skye, holding the Bombers to just one goal for the game to claim a 5.8 (38) to 1.3 (9) win.
Springvale Districts was led by Stefan Feehan (three goals), while Joel McConville was impressive for Skye.
In Division 3, Hampton Park remains on top of the ladder and undefeated after accounting for Ashwood with ease, 15.10 (100) to 6.11 (47).
A six-goal to one opening term saw the Redbacks take control of the game and they never looked back as Nathan Carver (five goals), Mitch Woolgar and Luke Behin dominated.
Endeavour Hills sits second on the ladder after an important 10-point win over Black Rock. Despite inaccurate kicking, the Falcons hung on for the win, 7.14 (54) to 7.2 (44).
