WOORI Yallock stepped up to again prove that they will be a massive chance come September with an impressive come-from-behind win against Upwey Tecoma. While in Second Division, Alexandra reigned supreme in its battle for top spot on the ladder with Thornton-Eildon.
Woori Yallock hosted the in-form Upwey Tecoma and at half time it looked as though Upwey was going to run away with a comfortable away win against a fellow finals aspirant. With a five-goal lead heading into the long break, Woori needed to reassess and that is exactly what they did.
Woori came out after half time and only allowed Upwey to kick two goals in the second half as they piled on 13 of their own to run out comfortable 34-point winners. Michael Risely was the star up forward for Woori with six goals while Mitch Bonuda again dominated play. Tom Hedge played a lone hand up forward for Upwey with six goals.
Healesville hosted a desperate Mt Evelyn, who was looking to get back on the winners list, but the Bloods continued their good form and Mt Evelyn’s woes with a 40-point win. Daniel Johnson with five goals led all scorers but was well backed up by Luke Barclay, three, and best on field Casey Adams. Cam Buckland kicked two while Shaun Jones worked hard all day for Mt Evelyn.
Wandin hosted ladder leader Silvan, and even though they put up a brave fight, Gary Moorcroft and company proved too much to handle. Moorcroft kicked nine goals while Owen Weatherly kicked seven as they along with Chris Goodlet led Silvan to victory.
Wandin coach Paul Grayling was his side’s best player and leading scorer with five goals as Glen Fieldew and Nigel Jarvis worked hard for their coach and team.
Olinda was up against local rival Monbulk in what always looms as a tough outing but Monbulk proved to be to strong as they ran out 88-point winners. Michael Langworthy kicked seven goals for Monbulk as Chris Mitchell and Gavin Taylor worked hard to present him with opportunities. Kirk Irvin kicked three goals for Olinda while Ash Reid was voted Olinda’s best for the day.
Warburton Millgrove put paid to any thought of relegation with a commanding 38-point win over Gembrook. Scott Muir was again a focal point up forward for the Burra’s with five goals while Ben Farrugia and Terry Walker controlled the midfield. Steve Goodie again turned back the clock for Gembrook with seven goals as he and Steve Robbins worked hard to try and keep Gembrook in the contest.
In Second Division, Alexandra got the boost of confidence it needed as they head towards September with a tough eight-point win over fellow finals combatant Thornton. Top spot was on the line as were local bragging rights.
With Alexandra coming away with the win, they now head into the final weeks of the season trying to hold on to top spot. Marcus Hill and Adam Oakley both kicked three goals while Neil Oakley was best afield. Ryan Hall kicked five for Thornton as he tried to keep them in the contest as did Rhys Chapman and Mark Hardy.
Kinglake ventured all the way across to Powelltown and the home side gave them a real scare. Kinglake came away with a tough and competitive 31-point win. Powelltown are starting to put together some stirring football as the season closes, which bodes well for next season. Casey McNaught, four goals, and Brent Gallicho, three, were the go to men for the Lakers while Russell Cowan did the job up forward for the Demons.
Yarra Glen dominated Yea as they won by 74 points. Dean Selkrig kicked eight goals while Mark Ratten and Ethan Shaw were among the best for the Thunder. Chris Graham, three goals, was Yea’s leading scorer while Lachlan White and Aaron Miller worked hard for Yea. In the other games, Belgrave defeated a gallant Yarra Junction by 31 points and Emerald accounted for Seville by 36 points.