Oakleigh got back on the winners list with a narrow victory over arch rivals Peninsula in Saturdays VAFA Premier C division clash at Scammell Reserve. After last week’s disappointing effort against Marcellin, the Oaks were desperate to make amends and not lose 3 in a row. Oakleigh started well despite some inaccuracy up forward and went to the first change 26 points up. The Pirates hit back in the second term with 4 goals before Oakleigh steadied to go to the long break with a 19 point advantage.

Needing a big third quarter to consolidate their lead, the Krushers again seemed to fade as Peninsula clawed their to a three point lead at the last change. When the Pirates extended their advantage to 10 points the Krusher faithful began to fear the worst but a late rally put the home side back in front and some desperate defending kept them three points up at the final siren. Aaron Cloke was the leading goalkicker and best afield with 5 goals, captain courageous Dermot Cleary added 3 with Tim Scott chipping in with 2 goals. Liam Gillard, James Chapple and Liam Hard were in Oakleighs best.

The earlier games proved disappointing for Oakleigh but did serve as a reminder that in order to have a chance of winning a game, it helps to kick goals in the first half. Both Oakleighs’ reserves and U/19s failed to do just that and were left with monumental tasks in their second halves. Sadly, whilst both teams did improve in the second half, they could not overcome the poor starts. The reserves fell by 55 points and the U/19s finished 75 points adrift. In the reserves, Danny Hall coaching his 50th game while Jack Van Den Ven playing his 50th, Jake Benoiton led the goalkicking with 3 with Zac Thiessens, Chris Mercuri and Josh Revere in the best while the U/19s goalkicking was led by Anmol Malhotra with 3. Corey Moore, Ben Swan and Luke Pappon were in the best players for Oakleigh.

Final Scores:

Seniors: Oakleigh 11.16.82 def Peninsula  11.13.79

Goals: Aaron Cloke 5, Dermot Cleary 3, Tim Scott 2, Liam Hard
Best: Aaron Cloke, Liam Gillard, James Chapple, Dermot Cleary, Liam Hard, Andrew Mase

Reserves: Oakleigh 6.8.44 lt Peninsula  15.9.99

Goals: Jake Benoiton 3, Jake Pappon, Jaryd Wines, Chris Lavery
Best: Zac Thiessens, Chris Mercuri, Josh Revere, Adam Matthieson, Chris Lavery, Jake Benoiton

U19s: Oakleigh 5.4.34 lt Peninsula  16.13.109

Goals: Anmol Malhotra 3, Nick Di Cioccio, Luke Pappon
Best: Corey Moore, Ben Swan, Luke Pappon, Zac Barrett, Nathan Fredericks, Lucas Cloke