A look back at the weekend’s results from Round 11 of the Northern Football League’s junior competition.
In the Under-18 Girls competition, Darebin strengthened its place inside the top four on the ladder with a gritty victory over South Morang. With just four goals kicked in the opening three quarters, the shackles were broken in the last term as the Falcons outscored the Lions four-goals to three for the quarter to claim a 14-point win. Karly McNiece and Candice Dyson combined for all seven of the Falcons’ goals. Montmorency remained undefeated in a strong win over Diamond Creek Womens, with Zoe Del Romano putting in a great performance. Mill Park and Greensborough also enjoyed wins in Round 11 to stay in touch with the top four with three rounds remaining.
In the Under-17 Blue competition, Eltham produced a five-goal final term to storm past a gallant Research at Research Park. Leading by only one straight kick at the final change, the Panthers broke clear in the final term to win by 17 points on the back of a best-on-ground and seven-goal haul to Patrick Lipinski. That was the closest result of the round for the competition as the top two ladder leaders South Morang and Mill Park both posted comfortable wins. Diamond Creek had the bye.
Epping produced a stunning third term in the Under-17 Red competition to come from behind against Wallan at Epping Recreational Reserve. Trailing by 41 points at half time, the Blues booted 9.1 to two behinds in the third term to take a 12-point advantage into the final quarter. The home side then booted the only goal of the last term to produce a stunning 15-point win on the back of a match-winning performance from Lachlan Saw. Meanwhile, Thomastown produced a dominant second half to streak clear of a hungry Hurstbridge outfit at Ben Frilay Oval, whilst Whittlesea produced a solid win over South Morang at the Whittlesea Showgrounds.
The Under-16 Blue competition saw Epping hold off a gallant Diamond Creek side as the Blues looked to secure second place on the ladder. Trailing by one-point at the main break, the Blues were able to keep the Creekers to just 11 points in the second half as they recorded a tight nine-point win. Wins were a lot more convincing for South Morang and Yarrambat as they comfortably accounted for Wallan and West Preston Lakeside respectively.
Bundoora Park recorded its first win in the Under-16 Red competition, beating Mill Park by 34 points at Bundoora Park Oval. Led by a best-on-ground performance from Luke Gibbs and a five-goal haul from Liam McLeod, the Bolts led every change to notch their maiden win over the third-placed Stallions. Research and Greensborough also produced Round 11 wins as they both accounted for Eltham and Montmorency respectively.
South Morang continued on its winning ways in the Under-15 Blue competition, recording a solid win over Eltham. On the back of a best-on-ground and four-goal haul from Jason Pannam, the Lions never looked in doubt as they jumped into second place on the ladder. Other winners for the round were Greensborough, Montmorency and Whittlesea who all recorded fairly comfortable wins heading into the bye.
Epping produced a dominant performance in the Under-15 Red competition in a big win over Lalor. A six-goal haul and best-on-ground performance from Jae Barbu ensured the Blues stayed in first place on the ladder. Second-placed West Preston-Lakeside accounted for Research by 26 points at J.E Moore Park, whilst South Morang and Eltham also produced wins against Hurstbridge and Laurimar Teal respectively.
In the Under 15-Girls competition, Greensborough and Montmorency played out a thriller, with the Boro winning by a solitary point at Beale Reserve. Trailing by 25 points at the main break, the home side kicked the only four goals of the second half to claim a comeback win. Ladder-leader Diamond Creek Blue extended its winning streak to 11 games after accounting for Yarrambat away from home, while Diamond Creek Womens Red also had a win with a two-goal result over Laurimar. Other Round 11 winners included West Preston-Lakeside, Eltham and Epping.
All junior teams enjoy a break this weekend during school holidays. Good luck to all teams in next weekend’s Round 12 matches.
