A look at the Round 4 matches in Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3.
Banyule has moved a game clear on top of the ladder after a fascinating Round 3 of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 football.
All four games were in the balance at half time – with South Morang, Heidelberg West and Banyule all winning after trailing at the main break. Kilmore was able to extend its lead after holding a two-goal advantage at half time.
Laurimar ventured to Heidelberg West and jumped out to an 11-point lead at quarter time, but the Hawks gradually took control thereafter. A nine-goal to two second half saw them run away with a 44-point result for their second-consecutive win.
“We have done the hard work and we want to continue to be consistent,” Hawks coach Gary Cutler said.
Jayden Shirreff justified his promotion from the reserves with a good performance, including a goal after a terrific one-handed mark.
Heidelberg West recruits Jarryd Coulson, Ben Kennan, Masaki Miki and Harley Mozdzierz all played a part in the Hawks’ victory.
Chris Menzies down back was among the best for Laurimar. The Power remains winless after three matches but they are expected to improve as the team finds its best mix and the players become more familiar with each other.
“The first half effort showed what we are capable of but we need to sustain it for four quarters,” Laurimar coach Wayne Sharkie said.
Banyule took control of the contest with a dominant 6.4 to 1.0 third term against St Mary’s at Whatmough Park, on the way to a 37-point victory.
James Kroussoratis booted six for the victors to move to the top of the goal kicking table and Scott Gumbleton played his best game for the season. The Bears now have the Round 4 bye.
Leitchville-Gunbower recruit Bart Walsh was among the best for St Mary’s. But the Burra would be disappointed to begin the year with consecutive home losses after reeling off six-straight wins to begin 2016.
South Morang overcame a slow start against Epping at Epping Recreation Reserve, booting 13 goals to four after quarter time to turn a 24-point deficit into a 33-point victory.
Paul Harrison continues to impress, booting a goal and spending plenty of time in the ruck.
Paul Dempsey did well for Epping and has hit the ground running in 2017. But coach Greg Whitcroft would be concerned with his team’s inconsistent patches within the first three games.
Mernda’s unbeaten run in 2017 came to an abrupt end when beaten by 53 points by Kilmore in an upset at J. J. Clancy Reserve.
The Blues have this season been helped by the inclusion of playing assistant coach Leigh Irons, ruckman Brad Kite and tough nut Luke Chapman – who is a nephew of former AFL star Paul Chapman.
“We were pleased to bounce back after a poor performance last round,” Kilmore coach Nathan Phillips said. “Internally we know if we keep doing the right things we can be a competitive side this year.”
Mernda was disappointing after being tipped by most to win, but coach Steve Power would be happy with the improvement shown by Anthony Bradford.
Round 4 of Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 football sees Mernda host St Mary’s at Waterview Recreation Reserve. Both teams will be desperate to atone for disappointing results the previous week.
At a similar time frame last year, both teams came in undefeated and the Burra won a close tussle by 10 points. Another tight result is likely in this critical encounter.
Epping heads to Laurimar Reserve to play Laurimar.
Despite the Blues contesting the past two grand finals, the Power may see this as a chance to open its account in the NFL. Epping would be in the top four or within striking distance if it could win to square the ledger at 2-2.
South Morang has been very impressive so far this year and hosts Kilmore at Mill Park Lakes Reserve.
The Lions defeated the Blues by over 100 points in both their 2016 clashes. But Kilmore have obviously improved this year and this contest should give a good guide as to the magnitude of their progress.
Heidelberg West heads to Crispe Park full of confidence to play Reservoir. The Hawks are expected to win this one comfortably, while the Mustangs look to rebuild from a low base.
A big positive for Reservoir is that its reserves have already recorded a win.
With Banyule having the bye, the Hawks can move to equal league leader with a win – a sign of their improvement after only two wins in the past two seasons.
