By Justin Flynn
East Geelong moved into the Geelong & District Football League top five with a hard-fought win against Corio on Saturday July 1.
With Winchelsea defeating Werribee Centrals by 43 points, it meant the Eagles were able to jump into the five on percentage.
The loss probably ended Corio’s finals hopes, but there is no doubt that the Devils can shape the final outcome and have a lot to look forward to.
East Geelong won by nine points in a pulsating contest in what was a desperately needed four points.
After winning their first five games, the Eagles have slumped and on Saturday it was their second win in six games.
Sam King was East Geelong’s best while coach Tom Cordner-Maas returned from injury and booted five goals while Caleb Ezard kicked four.
For the vastly improved Corio, captain Joel Bennett was best and snared two goals while Jackson Doyle and Tony Bennett were good players.
Inverleigh defeated top side Thomson and eased into fourth spot on percentage.
The 16-point win was set up when the hawks led by 22 points at half time.
Star midfielder Casey Meehan was best afield while fellow mid Bradley Surkitt and Ryan Robertson were busy.
Defender Travis McGuire was Thomson’s best and Jordan Camm played well, booting two goals.
Bell Post Hill turned up the pressure in the race for the minor premiership with a six-goal win against Geelong West.
A six goal to one second term set up the victory with ruckman Renn Lovitt in superb form while Boe Collins, who spent last season at North Cairns, was good, as was Sam Quinn.
Geelong West’s finals hopes are rapidly fading with the Giants now three games adrift.
Skipper Josh Viney was best on Saturday while Harry Fraser and Joseph Bangua (two goals) played their parts.
Bannockburn sits in third spot after a 68-point win against a committed North Geelong.
Banno got the better of the winless Magpies in the second and third terms when it booted 11 goals to two.
Backman Louis Clifton was the Tigers’ best while Hayden Spiller and midfielder Connor Jervies were also among the best.
Despite the loss, North Geelong played some of its best footy for the season with Aaron Beecroft, Corey Ellmer and skipper Thomas Schwennesen playing well.
Winchelsea opened up a 26-point quarter-time lead and cruised to a 43-point triumph against Werribee Centrals.
Ruckman Caleb Brown was best afield for the Blues as they kept their finals hopes alive. Leigh Ellis kicked seven goals and Luke Henry was busy.
Jack Stephenson and Matthew Miller were the Centurions’ best, but the loss sees them outside the five on percentage.
Sam Jones booted seven goals for Belmont in a 136-point win against Anakie.
Midfielder Angus Lowe and skipper Brent Vermeulen (three goals) were also good while Anthony Harding kicked three of Anakie’s six goals and Point Cook recruit Robbie Milne continued his stellar season.
