Narre Warren’s Steve Ryan lays a strong tackle on Doveton’s Pat Henwood during the Magpies’ 20point loss to the Doves in the mud at Fox Road in 1995.KOOWEERUP suffered its third successive defeat and effectively ended its chances of playing finals.
Pakenham’s 13point win over the Demons was led by Bruce Smethurst and Barry Graham, with Graham booting four goals in a stunning comeback by the Lions, after Kooweerup led by two goals at the 21minute mark of the final term.
Yarragon downed Catani by 49 points with Terry Kilday best afield, moving to sixth place and keeping its slim hopes of finals alive.
In the SWGFL, Cranbourne downed Rythdale by 15 points in a dour struggle, while the highlight of the round was a thrilling draw between Hampton Park and Keysborough.
The scores remained level for the last seven minutes of the game with tough Burra ruckman Peter Bryan among the best players on the day.
LOOKING BACK TO 24 JULY, 1985
BERWICK failed to defeat Northcote in the VFA, going down by 14 points in a miserable display in wet and cold conditions. Darren Gambetta, Brett Luxford and Matt Johnson were among the Wickers’ best players.
Pakenham downed Garfield by 30 points in a torrid match, despite Stars’ coach Joe Lenders being named best afield.
The Lions’ 17 goals were shared between nine players.
Drouin held on to third position with a tense twopoint win over Cora Lynn after Alan Bethune saved two goals for the Hawks with big marks in the goal square.
In the SWGFL, Beaconsfield defeated Keysborough by one point in a nailbiter. Ian Owen kicked five goals and Troy Cashman four as the Tigers held on to a slim advantage throughout the last quarter.
LOOKING BACK TO 26 JULY, 1995
NAR Nar Goon held on to record a 17point win over fourthplaced Tooradin, opening the door to the final four. Mick Dillon booted four goals and was among the Goons’ best, along with Jeff Powell.
Beaconsfield continued its dominance over the competition with a 50point victory over Kooweerup, led with an eightgoal haul by key forward Bruce Mullen.
Cranbourne staked its claim for a serious tilt at the MPNFL Northern Division premiership with a solid 28point win over fourthplaced Keysborough.
Big Eagle forward Paul Freestone was among the day’s best performers.
Hampton Park consolidated its position in the four with a 67point result over Langwarrin with Andrew Harvey booting four goals.
LOOKING BACK TO 26 JULY, 2000
GARFIELD blew its finals hopes when Pakenham belted the Stars by 50 points, thanks to great games from club leaders Travis Murphy and Stuart Burridge.
ROC downed Warragul, with Dean Hester on fire booting seven goals, and Cora Lynn had a solid 51point win over Drouin with Jeremy Duiker booting four majors.
In MPNFL Premier League, Hampton Park defeated Rye by 29 points with captain Andrew Harvey best afield with three goals.
In Peninsula Division, Seaford defeated Berwick, despite a fivegoal game from big forward Matt Castricum, while Doveton downed Frankston, thanks to a best afield performance from Adam Matthews.
