Local Footy: CYs ensure finals berth, now aiming for top two

SENIORS

WILLIAMSTOWN    5.2    11.10    15.16    25.20-170
OLD PARADIANS     3.1      5.3        8.4        10.5-65

WILLIAMSTOWN
Goal Kickers: B. Gray 3, Z. Read 3, R. Cassidy 3, B. Hynes 2, W. Cooper 2, M. Lishman 2, C. Elliott 2, J. Hatfield 2, J. Wong, N. Walsh, B. Lethborg, M. Sultana, J. Tranter, J. Reid
Best Players: B. Hynes, B. Gray, A. McKay, F. Adamson, J. Hatfield, J. Tranter

OLD PARADIANS
Goal Kickers: M. Derham 3, J. Monro 3, P. Brabender, A. Cunningham, K. O’Brien, A. Asdagi
Best Players: A. Sinclair, J. Lidyard, M. Derham, B. McAllister, A. Serafin, D. Huntley

Williamstown CYMS booked a berth in this year’s VAFA Section D2 finals competition with an emphatic win over fifth placed Old Paradians over the weekend. Played in front of a sizeable home crowd and in almost perfect conditions, the win ensured that the CYs can finish no lower than fourth and provides for the possibility of a second place finish (and the double chance) if results of the two remaining rounds follow current form.

On Saturday Williamstown got away to a great start to lead by 13 points at the first break despite kicking into a reasonable breeze. A somewhat undermanned and undersized Old Paradian combination worked hard to keep the home team out in the second quarter but their short, high-possession game floundered under some fierce CYs pressure. Williamstown were able to take control of the game as their big men started to gain the ascendancy and by half-time, despite some wayward kicking for goal, had extended their lead to a healthy 43-point margin. The visitors could fare no better after the break with the CYs again outscoring them into the wind in the third term to lead by 54 points at three-quarter time. The last quarter turned into a bit of a procession as Williamstown, finally finding the target up forward, finished all over a tiring Old Paradians side to kick ten goals to two to run out comfortable 105-point victors.

Next week’s round 17 will have a strong bearing on the shape of the final four. Second-placed Banyule travels to Mt Martha to take on competition leaders Peninsula and a loss against the flag favourites would have their second place on the ladder at risk as the CYs are only two points behind in third position and have a relatively easy game at home against cellar dweller Yarra Valley. Old Westbourne (5th) will be away to a much improved Glen Eira and must win to stay in the race for a finals berth. Williamstown coach Alan “Oopy” Elliott was pleased with what he saw as a very even team performance on Saturday – there were 14 individual goal kickers and every player made a contribution to the result. Ben Hynes, playing in his 200th game for the home team, stood out with an inspired performance at full back, repelling many early attacks with very sound marking and aggressive ground play. He moved forward late in the game and despite some goalkicking yips was able to snare a couple of goals to cap off a memorable day. Ben Gray, appreciating a relatively calm day controlled the aerial duels all day whether up forward or later in the game, in the ruck. The CYs defence worked hard to restrict Old Parade’s opportunities and Jarrod Tranter, Fin Adamson and Andy McKay all held sway over their immediate opponents. Early in the match Carson McNamara gave the home team decisive first use out of the ruck contests and he was well supported by hard working centreman Julian Hatfield.

RESERVES
WILLIAMSTOWN    7.2    10.5    14.9    20.10-130
OLD PARADIANS     2.1      5.2       6.5      7.6-48

WILLIAMSTOWN
Goal Kickers: J. Dodd 4, G. Burgess 3, J. Buttigieg 3, J. Gray 3, L. Henry, T. Hynes, J. Munro, M. Busuttil, N. Baskharon, N. Knapman, M. Carland
Best Players: J. Buttigieg, L. Henry, J. Munro, J. Dodd, L. Ryan, J. Digrazia

OLD PARADIANS
Goal Kickers: A. Jolley 3, A. White 2, R. Franza, B. Vincent
Best Players: B. Vincent, L. Harford, A. White, J. Kappos, S. Vyas, A. Posterino

In the early game, Williamstown reserves held on to top spot with a very even and well constructed 82-point demolition of fifth-placed Old Paradians. The home team, aided by a seven goals to two first term, led by 33 points at the main break, before going on to kick ten goals to 2 in the second half to record a very solid victory. Jeff Buttigieg was the CYs most effective player – controlling the game from the centre, he set up many forward moves with good disposal and was able to sneak forward to kick 3 goals off his own boot. Lawrence Henry completed a fine four weeks of football with another great game in the midfield. James Munro showed that he is moving back into form after an interrupted mid-season with a good solid 4 quarter performance. Lachie Ryan also continued to put his name forward for senior selection with another good display in the ruck and big James Dodd continued to show that he is a more than capable player with an impressive display up forward.

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