Two teams remain unbeaten in Division 3 after Round 5 as UHS-VU and Power House both had convincing away victories. As the top two continue to break away from the rest of the division, Westbourne Grammarians leapfrogged Canterbury into third position after their gritty victory over the Cobras. Kevin Bartlett Reserve was rocking on Saturday night after Richmond Central recorded their first senior win in 628 days! After this week’s results, somewhat of a mid-table logjam has developed in Division 3 with six sides each having recorded two or three wins. All mid-table teams are still fighting for a finals spot but remain within distance of the dreaded relegation zone.
Point Cook vs Swinburne University AFC (Saltwater Reserve)
Point Cook had their first home victory of the season, holding off a valiant Swinburne Uni, to run the game out 19-point victors. Both sides were wasteful in front of goal; however, it was a 10-scoring-shot second quarter that set the Bulldogs up for a nice win. Swinburne rallied to get within 11 points at three quarter time, but the Bulldogs proved to be too strong in the final term. Andrew Auciello was judged best afield as Tristan Furr was lively in front of goal snagging three majors for the home side. For the Razorbacks, Will Wood kicked two goals, as Ashley Woodhead, Tom Hartney and Kevin McElgunn were the most impressive players. Next week, Swinburne will have another tough encounter when they come up against fourth placed Canterbury Cobras.
Albert Park AFC vs Richmond Central (Ross Gregory Oval)
Richmond Central were looking to record their first victory of the 2017 season as they travelled away to take on Albert Park. The Snakes mocked their winless start to the season tallying 35 scoring shots for the day. Jake Munro, Sam Brown and Maxim Allen kicked 14 goals between them for the Snakes; however, Munro was the standout of the three, booting seven of his own. The win gifts Richmond Central their first senior victory in 628 days! We’re sure the clubrooms down at Kevin Bartlett Reserve were rocking on Saturday night, and rightly so. On the flipside, it was a disappointing day for Albert Park, but despite the loss, there were some good signs with Jamie Vlahos and Ben Plozza slotting three and two goals, respectively. Additionally, Brick and Welsh were important all day for the falcons. Albert Park will be looking for a stronger performance next week against first-placed and undefeated UHS-VU, which looms large as a tough challenge.
South Melbourne Districts vs Uhs-Vu AFC (Lindsay Hassett Oval)
UHS remain atop the Division 3 ladder after a big win at the Lindsay Hassett Oval, taking care of South Melbourne Districts by 88 points. South Melbourne Districts were welcoming in their new coach, Shane Zantuck, who would be looking to turn the Swans luck around in 2017. Unfortunately, however, they were confronted with a complete team-performance from UHS-VU. Douglas Payton, Gerard Sharrock and Connor Mccutcheon each kicked four goals and James Gilfilan continued his rich vein of form the season. It was always going to be hard for the Bloods coming up against UHS. There were some standout performances, despite managing only five goals for the day, Luke Money put in a solid effort while Jeremy Corby worked hard in the ruck all day. The Vultures unbeaten streak continues and they hold their spot atop the Division 3 ladder, just above Power House on percentage. At this stage, it looks as if UHS-VU and the House are the teams to beat in 2017. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get any easier for bottom of the ladder South Melbourne who have to back up Saturday’s loss to UHS by taking on the latter of the two teams to beat, Power House.
La Trobe University AFC vs Power House AFC (La Trobe University)
La Trobe University were looking to upset second-placed Power House after the disappointment of their eight-point loss to Swinburne University last week. With Power House being the highest scoring team in Division 3, this was going to be a tough assignment for the Trobers. The House got off to the best possible start, kicking four unanswered goals in the first term. From there on out, the House never looked back with River Carroll and Patrick Healey bagging four and two goals, respectively, as Fiachra O’Deasmhunaigh and Ben Circosta lead the charge around the ground. It was a spirited performance from the Trobers against a side who will challenge for the premiership in 2017. Bradley Fendyk and Jacob Keiller were admirable in defeat while Jonathan Neville and Will Lowry, were amongst the goals, kicking two apiece. Next week, La Trobe meets eighth placed Point Cook and will look to get back to winning ways. The House will attempt to stretch their winning streak to six games when they play 10th placed South Melbourne in Round 6.
Canterbury FC vs Westbourne Grammarians (Canterbury Sportsground)
Third played fourth as Canterbury hosted Westbourne Grammarians at the Saltwater Reserve and were looking to continue their winning streak after a victory against Albert Park last week. Canterbury lead at the first three changes with Thomas Lowden (4) and Rohan Walmsley (3) finding the goals and Sam Murphy and Robert Goodwin impressing. However, in the final stanza, it was a different story. Westbourne came out firing and kicked five goals to Canterbury’s two to clinch a 16-point victory. While Westbourne was relatively inaccurate in front of goal, they will be happy to have turned it on in the last and escaped with a hard-fought away win. For Westbourne, Chris Hudson was at his devastating best and was ably supported Nick Schiano who booted three goals. The Warriors win sees them jump into third position hot on the heels of the undefeated top two sides, UHS and Power House.
