BY MAE JAMES
Round 11 of the South Metro Junior Football League (SMJFL) saw kids from Melbourne’s South-East return to football following the latest COVID-19 lockdown.
While the SMJFL’s 25-member clubs were without spectators on Sunday 1 August, each player donned a smile as they headed back out onto the field.
Here is the Round 11 Monday Monash Review.
Under 17 ½ Boys Division 1 – East Sandringham Rovers vs Beaumaris FC U17 Boys Sharks
It was an electric game between the East Sandringham Rovers and the Beaumaris Sharks on Sunday.
Currently sitting at the bottom of the Under 17 ½ Boys Division 1 ladder, the Sharks got off to a terrific start and were up by 14 points at half time.
Unfortunately for the Sharks, the Rovers did not show any signs of giving up and came back from halftime to boot four goals and prevented the Sharks from scoring any, putting themselves in front.
Despite another determined last-quarter effort from the Sharks, they could not catch the Rovers who claimed the victory (10.7-67 to 8.8-56) and affirmed their third-place ladder position as finals inch closer.
Rover Jack Kennedy was vital in their win, scoring four goals throughout the game.
Sharks’ trio Nicholas Plevritis, Thomas Aughterson and Matthew Clarkson each nabbed two goals for their side, proving to be a powerful force.
Under 17 ½ Boys Division 2 – Caulfield Bears JFC U17 vs Murrumbeena JFC
It seemed the trend in the Under 17 ½ age group was nail biting games as Sunday’s clash between the Caulfield Bears and Murrumbeena came down to one point.
Unfortunately, due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, there was no side-line cheer squad at Koornang Park, but if there was it would have been a loud event.
The Bears started strong and were up by 19 points at half time.
Beena had their eyes set on the win and played a top quality third quarter. They scored four goals, putting themselves one point in front of the Bears as they headed into the final term.
You couldn’t look away during the final quarter. Scores were level as the clock kept ticking down, but the Bears managed to score a point claiming their well-fought victory (11.10-76 to 11.9-75).
Goal scoring was spread out between each team. Eight Bears and seven Lions had a chance in front of the big sticks.
Both teams also showed great sportsmanship, with the Caulfield Bears applauding Murrumbeena’s efforts.
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Under 17 ½ Boys Division 3 – Mordialloc Braeside U17.5 Boys Div 3 vs Highett under 17
Highett defeated Mordialloc Braeside in a dominant performance on Sunday, seizing a 52-point victory (14.11-95 to 6.7-43).
The Doggies were strong all game and had plenty of chances for goals.
Doggies star Damon O’Shea was on fire and scored four goals, and received three best on ground points. Not far behind him were O’Shea’s teammates, duo Ben Kenny and Ryleigh Buck who both scored three goals. Teammate Anish Chand might not have contributed directly to the scoreboard but played a memorable game and received five best on ground points.
Mordi Brae key goal scorer Aden Bartel didn’t disappoint as he scored a huge four goals to keep his team in the game.
Under 18 Girls Division 1 – St Bedes / Mentone Tigers AFC vs St Kilda City JFC Inc.
St Bedes / Mentone Tigers played a triumphant home game against St Kilda City on Sunday (10.7-67 to 5.3-33).
Right from the get-go the Tigers showed their stripes, and they made it clear they were after the win when they seized a 32-point lead at the quarter-time break.
St Kilda struggled to find momentum against the Tigers’ powerhouse forward line, but Kitty Smyth carried St Kilda to the finish, scoring a mighty four goals and putting up a huge effort.
Pair Ruby Dale and Star Waata were two of the many goal scorers from St Bedes / Mentone, scoring two goals apiece.
Under 18 Girls Division 2 – East Sandringham JFC (1) vs East Brighton Vampires JFC Low
East Sandringham had a commanding win over the East Brighton Vampires at Peterson Oval 1 on Sunday (7.15-57 to 0.0-0).
While the East Brighton Vampires were not able to put a score on the scoreboard, their efforts showed out on the field as they put up a gallant effort.
Zebras’ pair Jade Roberts and Hollie Murphy both played stand-out games and scored two goals each to show for it.
