PENSHURST has retained the top spot on the Mininera and District Football League (MDFL) ladder after taking care of business against arch-rivals Glenthompson-Dunkeld at Penshurst Recreation Reserve on Saturday, 17.14 (116) – 5.7 (37).

The two teams came prepared for a scrap and the first half was an arm wrestle as only 11 goals were kicked in the opening two quarters by the teams, with the home side holding a 21-point lead at the main break.

The Rams were well in the contest up to half time, but the Bombers turned the second half into a procession as they added 10 goals to only one in reply from the visitors.

The Bombers’ twin-towers, Josh Rentsch (six goals) and Ian Milera (four goals) were dominant again in front of the big sticks as they took their season tallies to 46 and 40 respectively to lead the MDFL goal kickers list easily.

Cooper Rentsch was outstanding for the home side as he was named best on ground for the second time this season – the young gun has been named in the best in seven out of his eight games.

 Josh Rentsch, Sam Weston, William Bester, Elijah Satala, and Nathan Rentsch made up the rest of the Bombers’ best players, while DJ Woods, Tyler Staude, Thomas Waters, Ben Potter, Ben Cole, and Jezza Woods were on song for the Rams.

Last season 10 wins was enough to finish fifth, which means Glenthompson-Dunkeld must win seven of the remaining eight games to equal last season’s efforts.

Penshurst of course are on target to go through without losing a game in the home and away season.

Hawkesdale-Macarthur d Great Western

HAWKESDALE-MACARTHUR hosted Great Western at Macarthur Recreation Reserve on Saturday and the Eagles had to fight all the way to claim the points from the determined Lions, 9.9 (63) to 4.16 (40).

The home side led at every change of ends, but it was held scoreless in the second quarter as the Lions failed to take advantage of the amount of ball it enjoyed, adding 1.6 to its score when if it had reversed that scoring, it would have taken control of the match.

The home side enjoyed a 10-point lead at the long break and the team returned to the field for the third quarter determined to increase the lead beyond the Lions’ reach.

Sam Hodgins, Brady Purcell, Xavier McCartney, James North, Patrick Sinnott, and Aaron Seabrook were the pick of the Eagles, while Renn Lovitt, Tim Barton, Thomas Cairns, Nicholas Dunford, Dylan Witney, and Josh Hustler were at their best for the visitors.

The result leaves Great Western in 10th while the Eagles remain third on the ladder.

Other games

TATYOON has rekindled the form that saw the side claim the premiership last season and the team has finally won two games in succession after defeating Lismore-Derrinallum at home, 8.15 (63) to 7.11 (53).

The Hawks are far from the force they have been for the past two seasons, with eight changes to the team that won the flag.

This was another game where the players failed to kick a score after enjoying time in possession with 26 behinds amassed between the two teams.

If one had been kicking straighter, then that side would have run away with the game, but the poor goal kicking did allow the spectators to cheer for both teams as they were both very much in the game.

SMW ROVERS travelled to Willaura Recreation Reserve and came away with the points in a dogged clash with Moyston-Willaura, 9.15 (69) to 2.12 (24).

Sam Fisher, Ash Gray, Joel Moriarty, Liam Baker, Thomas Liston, and Justin Kennedy were on song for the Bulldogs while the home side looked to Ned Bohner, Aaron Pianta, Bailee Turner, Adam Bennett, Benjamin Skubnik, and Teague Vincent to provide leadership.

ARARAT EAGLES had the road trip to Caramut Recreation Reserve, and they brought the four premiership points home with them after a tough display from both teams, 11.14 (80) to 4.8 (32).

The visitors held a five-point lead at the main break and when they returned to the field for the third term, they extended that lead to 30 points at the final change of ends.

WICKLIFFE-LAKE BOLAC was the only team to record a victory margin of more than 100 points as they thrashed Woorndoo-Mortlake at Woorndoo Recreation Reserve, 26.17 (173) to 8.9 (57).