Tigers leap into four, Lazzaro lifts Roys

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Jake Morris

After falling to as low as eighth place on the ladder, St Bedes/Mentone have found their rhythm and put together three wins in a row, climbing into the top four. Elsewhere, Nino Lazzaro lifted the Roys to their second win on the year, while the Fields remain unbeaten, the Blacks returned to the winners list in dominating fashion and Scotch held firm against the Sharks.

After a gloomy 1-4 start to the season, St Bedes/Mentone Tigers have righted the ship, securing their third straight victory in a win over Old Haileybury, and leaping into the top four. The Tigers trailed for most of the afternoon despite controlling majority of the play, with their inaccuracy in-front of goal a problem early. A four-point deficit at 3QT, despite having six extra scoring shots, is a worrisome spot to be in but a dominant final term, where the Tigers piled on four-goals-to-nil, helped elevate SBMT to their fourth win on the year. Key-forward Brayden O’Toole booted three, including two in the last, while ruckman Lachlan Mirams was adjudged best afield. For the Bloods, Samuel Loewe was their shining light, kicking four and named best-on for his side.

Sitting pretty on top of the ladder, Caulfield Grammarians once again put on a prolific performance as they downed the Monash Blues to remain unbeaten. The 63-point score line arguably flattered the Blues, as the Fields managed just 13 majors from their 33 scoring shots. In a match which featured the debut of former AFL star Brendon Goddard, Julian Dobosz’s six-goal haul arguably stole the show, lifting his goal-scoring total to 17 from just three outings. Jack Webster was awarded BOG honours for his performance in the middle of the ground, restricting the Blues possession and effortlessly slicing through their midfield. Charlie Rossetti was the lone multiple goal-scorer for the Blues, as his side tied for their lowest scoring total on the year (35pts).

After an ugly defeat at the hands of Scotch last round, University Blacks returned to their electrifying best, notching a win over Old Geelong. Holding a six-point advantage halfway through the second term, the Blacks piled on five-goals-to-nil to end the half, breaking the game wide open and creating an insurmountable lead they would never let go of. With Daniel McCollough and Lachlan Huntington combining for just two majors on the afternoon, it was Campbell Moorfield filling the void with a bag of five, earning best afield honours for his role in the victory. The OGs were gallant early but were just outclassed by a dominant offensive force as the game progressed. Unable to garner any multiple goal scorers, the OGs were held to their second-lowest score of the year to date.

Despite being held goalless in an opening term for the second time this year, and trailing by 21 points at the first change, Old Scotch survived an almighty scare to chase down an impressive Beaumaris at home. The Cards looked somewhat complacent and lackadaisical early, allowing the Sharks to control a lot of the match, but a fired-up quarter time huddle led by newly appointed coach Barry Mitchell turned the tide, turning that deficit to an eight-point lead at halftime, a lead they’d never relinquish. Fraser Morrisby and Andrew Jelbart each kicked three for Scotch while Tom Kerr was instrumental in defence and awarded best afield honours as he helped keep the wayward Sharks at bay. Beaumaris managed just five majors from their 21 scoring shots, missed opportunities that went begging in a match they had every chance of winning.

The Nino Lazzaro show. Thanks to a bag of seven and BOG performance on debut for the key forward, Fitzroy took down the Parkdale Vultures, elevating them off the bottom of the table. Leading from start to finish, this was the second win on the year for the Roys, who may have uncovered a hidden gem they may be able to use in the second half of the season. For the Vultures, Alex Derzekos booted three while Jack Vorbach was adjudged his sides best, but three losses from their past four games by an average margin of 63 points would have Owen Lalor and company concerned with their level of play as we reach the halfway mark of the season.