The gap between the top six teams has tightened up as teams in Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 prepare for another big weekend of action.
Laurimar now heads the table on percentage from Old Eltham Collegians with Kilmore is a game behind these two. South Morang are a further game behind the Blues as Heidelberg West and Mernda now sit just four points outside the top four.
Mernda produced what could be argued as their best win this decade when they defeated Kilmore.
The Blues were firm favourites, but the Demons got the early jump with a three goal to nil first term and were never headed, winning by 25-points.
Bringing the intensity and pressure required to win, Mernda was able to respond whenever Kilmore threatened unlike what happened a week prior against Heidelberg West.
“Last week, we played the last quarter to save the game, this week, we played the last term to win it,” said a happy Mernda coach Robert Fletcher.
Fletcher was pleased with the work of Ryan Bongetti who played on ball and booted three majors. Kai Turner in defence also got a tick from the coach, as did Matt Golledge and the ever-reliable Gus Mills.
Nicholas Eades and Chris Roussos, who kicked three goals, were also among the best.
The whole day had a Mernda flavour about it, with brothers Bailey and Ethan Derrick among the best for the Blues; their father Paul coached the Demons in 2019.
“Mernda came to play, we didn’t and we suffered the consequences,” said Kilmore coach Nathan Phillips.
Old Eltham Collegians made it six wins in a row with a nine-point victory over South Morang at Mill Park Lakes Reserve. The Turtles trailed at quarter time but controlled the game from the second term onwards.
The Lions dominated the scoring shots at goal in the final stanza, but a 4.4 to 3.0 return left them short of a victory.
Laurimar grabbed top spot with a 222-point win over Lalor at Lalor Reserve. Jacson Cecil booted a season high 14 goals in the win which took him to the top of the goal-kicking ladder with 32 majors.
Jacob Lawson and Josh Leather were stand-in co-captains for the day and both performed admirably. The weekend’s results put Laurimar atop the ladder in both the seniors and reserves.
“Very happy to get the win and the percentage to put us on top,” said Laurimar coach Jimmy Atkins.
“It’s a big game this week against Kilmore and we are looking forward to it.”
Lalor coach Angelo Lamanna was impressed by the efforts of Ned Hawkins, Matt Baker and Jason Cousins but is well aware of what his side need to do to take the next step in their development.
“A few things we’ve been working on worked really well early which we need to do for longer,” he said.
Heidelberg West made it two on the trot with a 178-point victory over Reservoir at Crispe Park. Alex Hywood the standout, booting seven majors.
“We were really happy to collect the four points, play team first footy and escape without too many injuries,” said Heidelberg West coach Michael Missen.
“We now turn our attention to a big challenge against South Morang.”
Tom Holloway, Linden Young and Jack Smith were best for the Mustangs.
“We had a tough day with four players pulling out due to illness and we debuted three more youngsters,” said Reservoir coach Justin George.
“Despite the scores, we are improving quickly, and I’m encouraged by the effort and commitment of our players.”
Round 8 action gives fans a plethora of intriguing games.
A rare chance for a victory presents itself for the winless Lalor who travel to Crispe Park to play Reservoir. Fans of the Mustangs and Bloods have had this date marked in the calendar for some time now and judging by recent results, an even contest could be in store.
Based on the 31-point win at Lalor Reserve earlier this year, Reservoir would be favoured to win on their home deck. But Lalor fans will remember their 2021 clash at this venue which saw them prevail by 80-points.
The Mustangs could all but avoid the wooden spoon with a win, whereas a Bloods win potentially keep the spoon battle alive until their round 17 battle at this venue.
Heidelberg West hosts South Morang at Heidelberg Park in a vital match for both sides.
It seemed unlikely three weeks ago, but a victory at home would see the Hawks draw level with the Lions on five wins. They are likely to still be outside of the four however, as a win in excess of approximately 80-points would be required for them to displace the Lions.
South Morang fans would be desperate for the team to snap a three-game losing streak. In fact, depending on other results, the Lions could be two games and percentage clear of the fifth placed team with a victory.
A close encounter is expected based on recent form and the Round 2 tussle at Mill Park Lakes Reserve which saw South Morang successful by 22-points.
Mernda will be looking to keep its giant-killing run going and keep in touch with the top four with possibly the most difficult challenge of all in a trip to Eltham College to play Old Eltham Collegians.
Despite the Demons overcoming Kilmore last round, the Turtles will be the popular tip on the back of a six-game winning streak.
These teams played twice in 2021 at this venue, with the Old Eltham Collegians winning in Round 5 by 42-points and then again in Round 10 by 20-points.
Mernda fans will be hoping for a repeat of the final round in 2019 at Eltham College when their team turned a 12-point quarter time deficit into a 21-point victory.
The Turtles can ascend to the top of the ladder for the first time with a win if other results go their way.
Match of the round status belongs to the contest between Laurimar and Kilmore at Laurimar Reserve. Last week’s results would suggest an easy win for the home team.
However, clashes between these sides have gone down to the wire in the past two seasons. Round 1 of 2021 at this venue had multiple lead changes late in the game before the Power hung on to win by four points.
Another thriller occurred this season in Round 2 at J.J. Clancy Reserve, when Laurimar came from behind to snatch a two-point win. Captain Mitch Thompson was best in that win and Power fans are hoping to see him back soon, as well as Luke Wilson.
Expect another nail-biter as the Blues look to bounce back from last week’s shock loss to Mernda. A win could see them jump back into the top two, but the Power will be equally keen to consolidate their place atop the ladder.
