D2 SECTION by Eivion Bowen J ITWEAIZ ust for a change, this week's results proved J that the even nature of this division will continue through the second half the season . Parkside, Mentone and Yarra Valley kept those middle positions changing, whilst Uni Blacks and Salesian notched up important victories . Review Parkside and Peninsula played a close, tough match for four quarters with both sides having periods of dominance . The Red Devils were able to make more of their opportunities, and answered each of Peninsula's challenges to lead at every change . Parkside rover Rob Marulli was his side's best . and Tim Ryan's 6 goals in a fantastic tussle with Peninsula's Prendergast was another highlight . Copely and McCall also proved influential, whilst Payze, Atchison and Nelson battled hard for the Pirates . Mentone held a 3 goal lead at the first break against West Brunswick, a margin that remained for the majority of the match . Once again the Vultures had many avenues to goals, but couldn't easily shake the Wests, who enjoyed Gross' (7) and Benjamin's (4) success around the sticks . Chris Sullivan had another cracker, whilst Matt Barr and Chris O'Meara also saw a fair bit of the footy . The Wests' Clark and Cannane were typically useful . The scoreboard shows Uni Blacks were overshadowed early by Fitzroy Reds, but they responded swiftly and clinically in the second quarter, booting 10 goals to 1 to effectively wrap things up at half-time . Wilson bagged another 5, while Ralph did well in Laffy's absence . Bowles and Martin were among a string of Black's contributors who can hardly put a foot wrong . Kew were jumped early by Salesian, pounced upon in fact . The visitors slotted through 9 goals before the K's had a chance to re-organize themselves . Not sure who were the better players for Salesian, although 20 goals would have given them some confidence for this week's clash with Yarra, For Kew, they worked hard through Mackay and Landwehr in defence to prevent a complete blow-out, and they had another solid last term, with midfielders Cullen, Wood and Campbell continuing to battle . Yarra Valley kept to their winning ways, this time at the expense of Thomastown . In patchy conditions . they extended a narrow 1/4 time lead at each of the ensuing breaks to run out 32
point victors . Coutts, Ho and Kysela played well for Yarra, whil e Thomas, Meade and Adam Smith were the standouts for an undermanned Bears unit which did well to prevent the margin from being much greater. Both sides have big games this week . Preview Parkside's game against Mentone is crucial . The Red Devils' win last week has kept them well and truly in touch, but positions remain tight, and they can't really afford to drop this one, The Vultures, on the other hand, continue to take some impressive scalps and can't be discounted . If their backline can remain steady, they are a good show but Parkside don't drop many at home and should prevail by 13 points . West Brunswick will be keen to put in a better showing this time around against Un i Blacks . The Wests have improved markedly since their drubbing at the hands of the ladder leaders in Round 2, and have enough talent to give this one a shake . However, the Blacks have shown they have the depth to cover any absences, and have been well served by those called upon to plug gaps in recent weeks. With a tad more polish than their hosts, the Blacks should win by about 4 majors . Fitzroy Reds are pitted against Kew, an encounter no doubt viewed as the best opportunity for 4 points in some time . Both teams have been gallant thus far but unable to sustain their intensity for 100 minutes. The Reds' consistency probably shades that of the K's, although the latter's fine win over Thomastown a short time ago probably balances the equation . With a few more scoring options and the advantage at home, I tip the Reds by 19 points. Salesian faces a Yarra Vall ey side brimming with confidence at Bosco Street . The Bushrangers won well again last week and look to have the edge in the air. Salesian will need to utilise every ounce of their experience this week against the Yarra youngsters, and get a similarly early 'jump' on the visitors as last week. Given reasonable conditions . I feel the likes of Cremean . Kysela and co . will see Yarra's form continue to sparkle . Thomastown should regain most of the players who were absent last week for their fixture