Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 Preview – Round 7


Published on Thursday, May 23, 2019

Author : Doug Long

A look ahead to Round 7 in Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.

Last week’s action saw some teams jump out of the blocks for good early leads, but they didn’t all win.

Panton Hill put a big space between itself and Mernda at A.E. Cracknell Reserve with a 10.4 to 3.2 first term. The 44-point quarter time lead stretched to 56 points at half time and a triple-digit win looked on the cards.

But Mernda fought the game out well after that and narrowly won the last half to go down by 54 points. Jesse Inzillo kicked three and was best for the Demons.

Mernda’s final total of 95 points made it the second time this season they have scored over 90 points and lost. They previously scored 99 in a narrow loss to Laurimar on Anzac Day in Round 3.

Rhys Boyden booted seven goals for Panton Hill and Cameron Jordan snared five, while also getting plenty of the ball. Matthew Fowler returned and was instrumental in his team getting off to a good start.

“A great start, but still a work in progress,” Panton Hill coach Steve Layt said.

South Morang started hot favourites at Mill Park Lakes Reserve against Lalor, but the Bloods flew out of the blocks with a four-goal to one first term.

The Lions stormed back with a six-goal to one second term to lead by 16 points at the main break, however Lalor regained the advantage kicking to the scoring end in the third term and led by a goal at the last change.

South Morang had it nose in front at the end for a six-point victory in which both teams had some injury troubles.

“The back line stood up under pressure,” a relieved South Morang coach Gary Hall said.

The defence was led by Aiden Grace, while the experience of Luke Shelton proved critical as the game wore on.

“Really pleased with the improvement and they dug deep. We’re getting closer,” Lalor coach Gary Cutler said.

Hirsi Twomey did a good job replacing the injured Daniel Moore in the ruck. Demetrios Constantinou was again a standout playing across half back, while Tim Murphy excelled across the midfield and drifting forward.

Like Lalor, Old Eltham Collegians got off to a flyer against Heidelberg West at Heidelberg Park. The Turtles led by three goals at quarter time, but could’ve had a bigger buffer after kicking 3.7 to 1.1 against their more fancied rival.

Ruckman Matthew Quinton was performing well but was red carded at the first break and this seemed to halt momentum for the team. They also copped injuries to Nick Snowdon and Thomas O’Neill after that.

The Hawks got rolling as the game continued and led narrowly at half time, then went on with the job to win by 49 points.

“Our guys are pretty fit and fighting games out well,” Heidelberg West coach Cam van Florestein said. “The comp is so even at the moment and every win is crucial.”

Billy Wright had a great game for the Hawks and kicked five goals playing in the midfield and going forward.

“We are getting close to putting a full match of confident footy together,” Old Eltham Collegians coach John Garrard said.

Alex Emmins impressed on debut and the other first gamer Joshua Hanley looked like he belonged. Cody Johnstone booted four goals.

Kilmore visited Laurimar Reserve to play Laurimar. The Power had two goals in two minutes and never looked back.

Josh Williamson stood out for Laurimar and booted six goals to remain on top of the goal kicking ladder with 26. Redback Rhys Boyden is close behind on 24 and Sam Rexhepi of Lalor is third with 19 majors.

Kilmore fought hard but lacked the polish and finish of its higher-placed opponent – going down by 36 points, which ended a three-match winning streak. Grant Paxton was best for the Blues.

Laurimar (six from six) and Heidelberg West (unbeaten from five) remain in the top-two spots on the ladder, with Panton Hill a further game back with a game in hand.
Half a win further back is South Morang – who jumped into fourth spot and replaced Kilmore, who is now fifth.

A further two games back sits Mernda and Lalor, then Old Eltham Collegians on half a win, with Reservoir winless.

Round 7 action has Heidelberg West facing its toughest test for the year – journeying to A.E. Cracknell Reserve to take on Panton Hill for the 4.10pm start game.

The Hawks would want to perform better than at this venue last season, when they lost by 109 points with the Redbacks’ Matthew Byron kicking six goals. The return game at Heidelberg was a tight affair – with Panton Hill prevailing by eight points.

Heidelberg West looks better this year but have only played one team currently in the top-four. They beat South Morang away after coming from behind in the final term.

The Hawks will be keen to keep their unbeaten run intact but the Redbacks will also be desperate to gain ground on the top-two.

With the winner improving their likelihood of claiming a double chance, a great contest is ensured.

Reservoir comes off the bye to host Laurimar at Crispe Park.

Given that Reservoir has yet to open its account for the season, it will be a huge upset if they were to defeat the top team. However, the Mustangs’ most recent win was over Laurimar at this venue in 2017.

The Power will regard this as a must-win game. A victory could potentially see them two games clear on top – depending on other results.

An improving Lalor hosts Kilmore at Lalor Reserve. The Bloods almost won the previous round – which would have kept the Blues in fourth spot.

With South Morang having the bye, Kilmore will now regain the Lions’ place in the top-four if it notches its fourth win of the season.

The Blues have a 2-0 record against Lalor – with the most recent clash resulting in a 100-point win at J. J. Clancy Reserve.

The Blues would be favoured by most – despite having back-to-back games on the road. They were two from two on the road in Round 2 and 3 this year – with wins over Mernda and Old Eltham Collegians.

Old Eltham Collegians plays Mernda for the first time at Waterview Recreation Reserve.

The Turtles sit eighth with a draw only to their name but will jump ahead of Mernda and be as high as sixth if they can win.

A win is also a must for the Demons as they try to stay in touch with the top-four. Both teams showed something last weekend without winning and it shapes as an enthralling contest.

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