Goodwood Saints make a big charge at playing finals. While this week is the massive clash between St Peter’s OC and Payneham Norwood Union.
By Dylan Smith

Goodwood Saints v Athelstone

Goodwood Saints have continued their impressive second half to the season, defeating the Raggies by 109-points, recording their fourth consecutive win. After losing their first three matches of the season, the Saints have found their mojo, and are now sitting fifth on percentage. It was another difficult day for the Raggies, with a lack of key personnel proving costly for the reigning Division two premiers. A ten goal to three first quarter set the game up for the Saints, effectively squashing Athelstone’s spirit. George Thring and Jacob Hughes booted five majors each for the home side, while Nicholas Burgess kicked three. For the visitors, captain Luke Rander was the only multiple goal kicker, slotting two majors. Tom Carter had his best game of the season for the Saints, while Hughes, Nick Favretto and Thring were all outstanding contributors. For the visitors, Kane Nurton, James Davies and Ben Rogers toiled hard on a difficult day. Both teams will enjoy a bye this weekend. 

Port District v Rostrevor OC

The ROCs have recorded an impressive, 25-point win over a fancied Port District side at Largs Reserve on Saturday. It was a must win game for the men from Campbelltown, with their finals aspirations hanging in the balance. In what was a low scoring, and tight tussle for the majority of the game, a six goal to three final quarter by the visitors saw them gain the ascendency, and come away with the win. It was a missed opportunity for Districts, who had the chance to climb to second on the ladder. James Batty was a handful up forward for the ROCs defence, with the competition’s leading goal kicker adding four majors to his season’s total. For the visitors, Nick Murphy booted a match winning four goals, with Michael Coad and Patrick Dawson both kicking two majors. Jack Gaffney’s consistent year continued on the weekend, winning plenty of the ball for his side. He was well support by; Luke McInerny, James Batty and Mitchell Gaffney. For the ROCs, Nick Murphy was outstanding, while; Same Jonas, Tim Baccanello and Murphy Short were all influential in their sides victory. Both sides will have the bye this weekend, preparing themselves for the final two minor round matches. 

Adelaide University v Brighton Bombers

Adelaide University’s season is effectively over after inaccurate kicking saw them defeated by top of the ladder, Brighton Bombers, by a singular point on Saturday. Trailing by three straights kicks at the final break, the Blacks kicked four goals six too two goals one, but wasn’t enough to over-run a gritty Bombers outfit. Ben Edwards kicked three majors for the home side, while Maris Olekalns kicked two. For the visitors, Jay Boyle slotted three goals, while Shane Harvey chipped in with two. Olekalns was terrific through the midfield for the home side, while; Ben Adams, Jack Keynes and Jack Strange all battled manfully. For the visitors, Tarquin Brown, Otis Carthy, Boyle and Scott Nerlich were influential in their teams heart-stopping victory. 

Round 7 Preview (continued)

St Peters OC v Payneham NU

SPOC welcome the inform Payneham NU to Caterer Oval on Saturday. After a slow start, the Falcons are coming into their own, whereas SPOC have been inconsistent of late. A win for the Falcons will see them leapfrog Rostrevor and Goodwood to sit in the five, while a SPOCs victory will see them solidify themselves in second place. This should be a terrific expedition of football, and it will be another tight affair. 

SPOCs by 8 points

Prince Alfred OC v Unley Mercedes Jets

In our final match of the round, Princes take on the Jets at Park 9. PAOC has it all to play for, with this season’s favourites struggling to find continuity, sitting fourth on the ladder. It is all about gaining more experience in this division for the Jets, and Saturday will be a good chance to test themselves against one of the best sides in the competition. I think PAOC will be far too strong for a gallant Unley side.

Prince Alfred OC by 45 points.

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