By JARROD POTTER
VAFA DIVISION 4 – ROUND 8
THERE’S still a lot to smile about at Masala even after a tough initiation to Division-4 football.
The Tigers have been beset with injuries and sit 1-7 in VAFA’s lowest division after another big loss – this week at home to Point Cook by 92 points.
Even with the tough rite of passage into the VAFA divisional system, Masala coach Brett Robinson thought there were plenty of reasons for the Tigers to be proud.
“We’ve got 10 injuries from our senior side at the moment and we played Point Cook today who are on top and undefeated,” Robinson said.
“No one tries harder than our blokes – we’re not overly blessed with skills, but we’ve got a massive heart and that’s all you can go on.”
Wheeling Jaryd Coghill (3 goals) out of defence paid off as the traditional defender was effective in the Masala forward-50 while Zachary Kelly, ruckman David Crkvenac and midfielder Wayne McMahon all held their own despite the up-hill battle.
Masala hosts South Mornington next weekend following a bye.
DIVISION 2
WALTZING past another challenger, St John’s maintained its high-flying start to 2015 with a rollicking 65-point win over Monash Gryphons.
The forward pressure of Rohan Scott (6 goals) and Aaron Thornton (4 goals) was too much for the home side as the JOC’s tandem was given expert delivery from Liam Mara, Matt Nicholson and Glenn Costas.
St John’s remains unbeaten atop the Division-2 ladder and faces Ivanhoe AFC after the bye in a battle of first versus second – the JOC’s biggest test this season.
SFL – DIVISION 2
WINNING ways are over at Keysborough… at least for now as the Burra’s undefeated start in SFL Division 2 was ended in a two-point nail-biter against Oakleigh District.
Neck and neck throughout the clash, the wayward kicking of both sides came back to haunt Keysborough in particular with 9.11 (65) not enough to undo Oakleigh District’s 9.13 (67).
Jake Dunn and Tyson King bagged four goals each while Daniel Morland, Michael Downie and Reece Spadaccini were best afield. Keysborough will host Heatherton after the bye.
Doveton Eagles was brushed aside by Hampton 10.6 (66) to 15.10 (100) and Springvale Districts suffered another lashing – this time a 61-point hiding by Skye.
DIVISION 3
SANDOWN was edged out by 13 points against South Yarra – with Richard Gow (2 goals) starring for the Cobras. Lyndale couldn’t match pace with premiership aspirant Black Rock – downed by 45 points despite the best efforts of Jared Henshaw (3 goals) and Dale Tormey (2 goals). Endeavour Hills smashed Hallam under lights by 46 points and Dandenong was belted by 91 points against the fleet-footed Moorabbin.
