Reigning premiers St Mary’s stayed in touch with undefeated GFL leaders Newtown & Chilwell with a nine-point victory away against Colac on the weekend.
St Mary’s led by 11 points after a low-scoring first half, with scores sitting at 5.8 (38) to 3.9 (27).
The scoring rate increased as the match went on, with the Tigers remaining within striking distance all match, but St Mary’s held on for the win, finishing with 13.16 (94) to the home side’s 12.13 (85).
Sam Dobson booted four for the victors, with Patrick Dowling also contributing three.
St Mary’s captain Jack Blood was among the best for his side, as were Max Augerinos, Darcy Chirgwin and Jarryd Garner.
Kane Smartt earned a spot among the best for Colac with a three-goal haul, with Josh Garner, Jonathan Simpkin and Dustin Walters adding two goals each.
The result marks the club’s fifth win on the trot against Colac, a run that began with the Saints’ two-point 2019 premiership win over the Tigers.
Newtown & Chilwell maintained its unbeaten status and top spot with a seven-goal win at Bell Park to hand the Dragons their first loss of the season.
After taking a 22-point lead at quarter time, the visitors withstood a determined Dragons counterattack in the second period, going into the half-time break up 8.4 (52) to 5.6 (36).
A strong third quarter saw Newtown & Chilwell stretch the lead to 36 points going into the final term, going on to be eventual winners with 17.9 (11) to Bell Park 10.9 (69).
Euriah Hollard kicked five for Newtown & Chilwell, with Isaac Wareham a standout for the home side.
St Joseph’s had its first loss of the season against Leopold, with the Lions bouncing back from their 34-point loss last week to St Mary’s to beat Joeys 12.14 (86) to 8.10 (58) at home.
Brock Williamson led the scoring for Leopold with three goals, while Hunter Lewis kicked three for St Joseph’s.
Lara picked up its first win for 2023, beating St Albans 11.10 (76) to 9.9 (63) at St Albans reserve.
St Albans were never far off the pace, but full-forward Mitchell Day’s four goals for the visitors helped ensure the 13-point win.
Despite a goalless second term, South Barwon denied North Shore its first win of the season, taking the four points with a 37-point victory in Norlane.
Geelong West Giants had an impressive second half to prevail over home side Grovedale, turning a two-point lead at half time into a 23-point winning margin.
Josh Dwyer was best on ground for the Giants, with Kye Annand kicking four goals for the visitors.
