Round 8 of MC Labour Division 2 was one of the closest to date this season as there were competitive contests across the board.
Lower Plenty’s winning streak rolled on this week as the Bears claimed a strong 15-point win over Panton Hill at AE Cracknell Reserve. The Bears led at every break, but Panton Hill continue to show they won’t lie down against anyone, kicking five goals to three in the final term.
Jordan Smith, Joel Leslie and Jordan Sacco were instrumental in driving Lower Plenty to victory, while Riley Alexander and Michell Skipper starred up forward, combining for five goals in a damaging attacking performance. The spread of goalkickers would be pleasing to the Bears who were without Jack Madgen (VFL commitments) and Jack Chubb for most of the afternoon after a heavy landing in a marking contest in the first quarter.
For Panton Hill Oliver Parks was outstanding, finishing with three goals, while Paul Vavitis matched his effort with a three-goal haul of his own. Austin Dillon and Riley Cousins were also among the Redbacks’ best, producing influential performances in a spirited team effort despite the narrow defeat.
Northcote Park secured their seventh win of the season with a 22-point win over Thomastown at Main Street Reserve.
Despite not having the lead at any of the major breaks the Cougars managed to have an outstanding last quarter, kicking five goals to get them over the line. Michael Amad had a huge impact for the Cougars kicking four crucial goals and Ben Armstrong kicked a couple. The usual suspects Jordan Perry, James McArdle, Matthew Perry and Dan Tallariti stood out for the visitors across the afternoon.
Despite having the game in their hands for the majority the Bears fought out a tough played game. Former Melbourne and Carlton forward Jefferey Garlett booted four on his club debut and Michael Tabacco added a couple. Aaron D’Angelo, Youseph Dib and Anthony Padula provided brilliant efforts as Thomastown fell short of what would have been one of the upsets of the season to date.
A seven-point victory has seen Old Paradians jump Fitzroy Stars on the ladder as the Raiders recorded their fifth win of the season. Joshua Iacobaccio was instrumental kicking a bag of four of the Raiders in what was a close win. Connor McDonald provided yet again another outstanding performance, Jesse Kane and Jack Nicolo also providing solid efforts for the Raiders.
Patrick Farrent and Kain Proctor Kicking off the Stars six goal game kicking four between the two of them. While Ethan Penrith and Neville Jetta stood strong for the Stars as they do each week. But inaccuracy in front of goal cost the home side as they finished with 6.15 for the day.
South Morang won a high-scoring shootout at De Winton Reserve against Macleod by 32 points, bringing them to six wins for the season and a healthy percentage. After trailing by two points at half time the Lions turned up the heat with a seven goal third term and another six in the last quarter to outlast the Roos.
Ethan Lowe kicked six of South Morang’s 20 goals throughout the afternoon, while Carter McCall, Dean De Propertis and William Cookson delivering stunning performances for the Lions.
Mackenzie Hogg continued his outstanding season and stood tall for the Roos in their fifth loss of the season which sees them lose more ground on the top four sides. Darcy Barden tried his best to keep Macleod in the contest with seven goals, while Kobe Brandt and Kurt Manuel also shone.
St Mary’s continued their strong form and stayed in touch with the top five with a hard-fought five-point win over Whittlesea. The Burra jumped out of the blocks with four goals to one in the opening term but the Eagles responded with five goals of their own in the second quarter to tie up the scores at half time. Despite Eagles only having the two goals in the third term, the home side had amazing defensive efforts in keeping the Burra to just a goal for the quarter.
Both sides continued to trade goals in the second half but two late goals to Tane Cotter and Joseph Maggio saw the visitors get home in a close one.
Will Dean and Benjamin Young were influential throughout the day for St Mary’s, using the ball effectively and creating numerous opportunities going forward. Their work was rewarded on the scoreboard, with Tom Eames, Rory Hanlon, Wil Ryan and Maggio all contributing two goals apiece in a well-balanced attacking display.
Khaled El-Leissy, Zane Anderson and William Plain providing continuous effort throughout, with El-Leissy and Anderson kicking two goals apiece alongside Angus Smith. The win leaves both sides level on four wins each at the halfway point of the season.
MC Labour Division 2 heads to a mid-season bye over the King’s Birthday weekend before Round 9 fixtures the following week.
