BRIDGEWATER solidified their top three standing with hard-fought 43-point win over a winless Calivil United at the weekend.
The Mean Machine were made to earn the four points against the lowly Demons, who were more than competitive against last year’s grand finalists.
While Bridgewater led from start to finish, it wasn’t until midway late in the third quarter that the Rick Ladson-coached home side could relax, when a five goal to one term set up a 35-point lead.
From there, they were never headed, with key forward Joshua Martyn’s six goals helping lead the home side to a 12.11 (83) to 5.10 (40) victory.
Harry Donegan was dangerous throughout a four-quarter performance, while Darcy Wood, Tyler Estrada, Ben Irvine and Jack Symons were also among the better players for Bridgewater.
Ruckman Justin Hynes, Cody Thompson, Henry Miller and Rhys Lourie all performed at their best for Calivil United.
The win by the Mean Machine sets up a tantalising encounter with fellow top-five aspirant Bears Lagoon-Serpentine this Saturday, after the Bears suffered a 73-point loss to reigning premiers Marong.
An eight goal to one first quarter set the tone early for the Panthers, who cruised to a 20.14 (134) to 9.7 (61) win.
Kain Robins and Brandyn Grenfell both finished with four goals for Marong, with Grenfell also spending considerable time in the ruck, alongside Michael Bradbury.
Richard Tibbett and Nathan Devanny were also among the Panthers better players, while Harry Gadsden booted three goals for the Bears and was named as their best player.
The closest game of the round was between Maiden Gully-YCW and Newbridge, with the Eagles overcoming a slow start to claim their second win of the season by six points.
After finding themselves 14 points behind at the first break, the Eagles slowly clawed their way back to be all square at three quarter time, before outscoring the Maroons two goals to one in the final term to record a 9.10 (64) to 8.10 (58) victory.
The win moved Maiden Gully-YCW to sixth on the Loddon Valley ladder and within four points of the top five, while Newbridge’s finals hopes have taken a hit, with the Maroons now two games and significant percentage behind the fifth-placed Bears.
Ruckman Matthew Crooks was influential for the Eagles, not only giving his midfielders first use around the stoppages, but also providing a strong marking target around the ground.
Cooper Hale, Brandon Dimech and coach Jay McDonald were also among Maiden Gully-YCW’s better players, while gun midfielder Dylan Stevens continued his good form for Newbridge.
Kynan Gard, Jack Clark, Chris Dixon and Sam Gale, the latter two contributing three goals each, were among the Maroons’ bests.
Pyramid Hill secured their fourth win of the season with a 162-point hammering of Mitiamo.
A seven goal to one opening term put paid to the match as contest by quarter time, with Pyramid Hill opening up an 89-point lead by the main break.
It didn’t get much better for the Superoos, with the Bulldogs piling on the pain in the second half, including keeping Mitiamo scoreless in the last term, to run away comfortable 27.20 (182) to 3.2 (20) winners.
With 12 individual goalkickers, Pyramid Hill were able to spread their goals around.
Midfielder-forward Dylan Collis continued his good form, along with onballers Brodie Carroll, Zach Alford and Billy Micevski, with Steven Gunther and Jesse Sheahan also named among the Bulldogs’ better players.
For Mitiamo, veteran Ross Turner, captain Luke Lougoon, Dylan Clohesy and Kobe Galvin were named as their better players.
