THERE were just the three games on the weekend which saw Oakleigh Chargers, Northern Knights and Sandringham Dragons all record victories in challenging conditions at times.

Oakleigh Chargers 14.10 (94) def. Calder Cannons 12.4 (76)

Oakleigh and Calder played out a good contest in lovely conditions with both teams playing fast and exciting football. There were plenty of highlights throughout the day, with the biggest one coming from Chargers goal sneak Jake Gasper, who kicked six goals including the sealer in the last quarter when Calder were fighting back.

Calder lost their number one midfielder Jack Bytel early, after he was instrumental in the first half, amassing 23 disposals. Bytel impressed in the midfield winning the ball in the contest and working hard in transition. But unfortunately for Calder, he was not the only injury for the day with talented forward Joshua Kemp going down, ending the game with his arm in a sling. Kemp kicked two goals which included a classy running goal in the first quarter before injury struck.

Oakleigh had plenty of contributors throughout the match with midfielders Jack Ross (28 disposals), James Rowbottom (24) and Will Golds (21) all playing well. Bottom agers Noah Anderson (three goals) and Dylan Williams (three goals) proved a handful up forward with Trent Bianco (22 disposals), Will Kelly (21), Noah Answerth (20) and Joe Ayton-Delaney (16) all providing valuable rebound in defence. Calder had a good spread of players which included 19 year-olds Mitch Podhajski (25 disposals and one goal) and Jake Riccardi (three goals) and Vic Metro representative Lachlan Sholl (25 disposals).

Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels 9.7 (61) def. by Northern Knights 13.5 (83)

By: Cameron Ross

The Northern Knights won by 22 points over the GWV Rebels on Sunday at a freezing MARS Stadium in Ballarat. In what was an unattractive, scrappy and low quality game, the Knights flew out of the blocks kicking four goals to zero with the wind and never looked back.

The Knights dominated the ruck and marking contests, and were first to the ball all game. The Rebels did not look like winning the game at any stage in what was an impressive performance from the visitors, restricting the home team throughout the four quarters. Jed Hill was terrific again playing half the game forward and the second half in the midfield, while the dangerous forward Charlie Wilson kicked three goals. Cooper Craig-Peters was also solid for the Rebels on a day that had very few standouts. Bottom-age midfielder, Josh D’Intinosante was solid for the Knights, while midfielder turned defender Tom McKenzie controlled the game from defence, setting up the play from the back line and winning clearances from defensive stoppages. Also, Sunny Brazier was fantastic up forward kicking three goals.

The Rebels have a chance to bounce back next week when they play fellow cellar dwellers, Eastern Ranges next Saturday at Box Hill City Oval while the Knights play the Gippsland Power in what is going to be a massive contest for both sides.

Geelong Falcons 9.15 (69) def. by Sandringham Dragons 11.5 (71)

By: Cameron Ross

The Sandringham Dragons held on for a two-point win over the Geelong Falcons at MARS Stadium in Ballarat on Sunday. The Falcons led by Sam Walsh and Ned McHenry had the weight of possession and chances but simply couldn’t covert kicking nine goals and 15 behinds. On the other hand, the Dragons were clinical up forward kicking 11 goals and five behinds.

With a firm breeze to the Wendouree end of the ground, the Falcons had a chance to overcome a three goal deficit in the final term. In what was nearly a match winning move, the Falcons coach Daniel O’Keefe moved defender, Connor Idun up forward shaking up their forward structure and allowing him to get more involved in the game. However just when the Falcons looked as though they were going to run over the top of the Dragons, Angus Hanrahan kicked a huge goal to push the margin out to 11 points with 10 minutes to go. The Falcons could only manage one more goal, with McHenry kicking a superb snap on the run but with only two minutes to go, they ran out of time. The Falcons got the ball inside 50, more specifically to the top of the goal square with seconds to go, but in what was a theme for the day, the Dragons defended incredibly well, and hung on for what was in the end a deserved victory. Potential number one draft pick Walsh was once again outstanding for the Falcons racking up plenty of possessions, while Brayden Ham, McHenry and Sam Conway were also important. Angus Hanrahan proved to be a match winner for the Dragons, kicking a huge goal in the final term and was very consistent working hard across all four quarters. Alistair Richards also gave the Dragons some much needed run of the half back line and James Rendell was a key target up forward.

Next week the Falcons play the Chargers, while the Dragons will look to build on this win against bottom side Bendigo.