By Justin Schwarze
Emerald’s flying start to the Outer East Premier Division A Grade season continued with a gutsy win over Monbulk on the road.
The game was neck-and-neck the entire way, with the Bombers’ biggest lead of the match being just seven goals.
After one, the visitors led 14-16 and held steady to secure a 26-29 advantage at the main break.
In the third, Monbulk stormed back and drew level, squaring the scoreboard at 40 apiece heading to the final term.
Emerald came out swinging, grabbing five of the first six goals, jumping into the lead.
It turned goal for goal, before the Hawks had a response, scoring five unanswered to bring the margin back to two with over a minute to go.
However, the visitor defence and midfield withstood the pressure, not allowing another score and grinding out a 51-53 triumph.
Mackenzie Fox, Casey Rhodes-Anderson and Madison Taylor were all monumental in the Bombers grabbing the four points and knocking off third-placed Monbulk in its own backyard.
At Officer, ROC was handed its fifth loss of the season after being dominated by Wandin 33-70.
An 8-20 goal second period in favour of the Bulldogs blew the game open and the visitors never looked back.
Jade McGuire was fantastic, with Ella James and Caitlyn Bell also standing up for the Kangaroos.
ROC has an important matchup with ninth-placed Healesville this week, a good opportunity to get back to the winners list.
Gembrook Cockatoo is still searching for its first win of the campaign after going down to Woori Yallock 32-56 at home.
The visitor defence was solid and tough to penetrate as the Brookers scored single-digit goal tallies for three out of four quarters.
Bianca Nagel is putting together an impressive 2025, while Brylee O’Neil was at her usual best and Sarah Delaney also putting together a noteworthy performance in defeat.
Mount Evelyn’s grip on the competition got even firmer with a routing of Upwey Tecoma 39-75.
The Rovers are now 7-0, conceding just 215 total goals for the season which is by far the best defensive numbers in the competition.
After trailing at the first break, Olinda Ferny Creek got rolling in the remaining three frames to knock off Healesville 60-51 at home.
Soph Hennessy, Eloise Argoon and Harper Scott fueled the Bloods and guided them to their fourth win of the season.
Down a flight in Division 1, Pakenham’s undefeated record saw no blemish with a victory over Yarra Glen 28-51.
The Lions were challenged, leading by just six at halftime before firing up in the second half.
They took the third 7-12 and dominated the fourth 6-18 to ensure the four points were headed back to Toomuc Reserve.
Charlize Reid was outstanding, with Amber Holt and Hayley Melsen also contributing significantly.
Pakenham will now be put to the test, with the club’s next two games against the second and third-placed teams on the ladder.
Yarra Junction just edged out Alexandra at home 40-36 thanks to excellent input from Jade Rogers, Stephanie Ratcliff and Tayla McCormack.
Warburton Millgrove travelled to Yea and smashed the Tigers 24-73.
The Burras were led by Taylah Moschetti, Ally Langdon and Karly Wappett.
Seville rolled Powelltown at home, with the Blues sparked by a 45-5 first half.
The second half was more of the same, with Seville claiming the 89-16 scalp.
Belgrave had the bye.
