Tigers overpower Cats

By YVMDFL CEO,
AFTER the appetites of YVMDFL followers were whetted two weeks ago with the start of the new-look Commodore Press Second Division, the competition moved into top gear on the weekend with action in the Compass Group First Division getting underway.
Last year’s runners up, Silvan travelled to the dome to take on perennial finalists in Upwey-Tecoma.
This game was effectively over at half-time, with the home side 57 points in front and, while Silvan did rally slightly in the second half, it was never going to be enough – the final margin, 79 points in favour of Upwey.
Their counterparts from the 2005 grand final in Monbulk also played away, at Mt Evelyn. Mt Evelyn established a handy 25 point lead at half time. They were eventually reeled in by the reigning premiers, who kicked 10 goals to five in the second half, to get across the line 17.15 (117) to 16.9 (103).
Over at Wandin, the home side hosted Healesville and, after an even first quarter, the visitors put the foot down and their overall class factor proved the difference, with Healesville winning 16.14 to 8.10.
Woori Yallock spoiled Gembrook-Cockatoo’s 1986 reunion celebrations with a determined 18 point victory.
The Tigers’ opponent next week, the newly promoted Olinda-Ferny Creek, recorded a decisive home victory over Belgrave, by 11 goals.
After the Easter break, the Commodore Press Second Division resumed hostilities, with Alexandra hosting Yarra Glen in their first home match of the season. Most thought the Rebels would easily account for last year’s wooden-spooners, and they eventually did, despite a first quarter that saw only one goal between the two sides. They eventually won by 110 points.
In a good day for the ex-CGFL clubs, Thornton-Eildon travelled to South Belgrave and, after a slow start, blew their hosts out of the water with 15 goals to one during the second and third quarters.
Seville bounced back after their defeat at the hands of Warburton-Millgrove in the first round to record a comprehensive victory over Emerald, 16.15 to 3.11.
The two sides that recorded the highest winning margins in the opening round met at Yarra Junction, and a bumper crowd saw Warburton-Millgrove take the points, 22.19 to 8.15.
NETBALL
Like their colleagues in football, both grades of the Sticks Yarra Valley netball competition commenced in first division. As far as A-Grade was concerned, recruit Simone Pipper shot 25 goals in Woori Yallock’s 40-22 victory over Gembrook-Cockatoo.
Healesville accounted for competition rookies Wandin, 26 to 12 (Louise Farrow 17 goals), reigning premiers Upwey-Tecoma continued where they left off in 2005, defeating Silvan 56 to 14.
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