Ironbank-Cherry Gardens has moved a game clear at the top of the Hills Football League (HFL) Country Division ladder after their round three victory at home over Macclesfield. The opening quarter was a high scoring affair with the Thunderers taking a seven-point lead into the first change, 5.3 (33) to 4.2 (26). By halftime the home side had increased their lead slightly out to 12 points and Maccy were right in the game. Ironbank-Cherry Gardens came out firing after the long break and totally dominated, kicking 15 goals to four in the second half to win by 82 points, 22.15 (147) to 9.11 (65). The Thunderers had 10 different goalkickers with Jeremy Johncock (6) and Josh Vandermeer (5) leading the way. These two have combined for 27 goals already and are a big reason the Thunderers are one of the favourites for the flag. Todd Pfeiffer was named best on ground for the second time in 2020 and he was ably supported by Johncock, Will Muirden, Joel Van Paridon and Tom Watton. Denis Iljcesen kicked three goals for Macclesfield with Brad Thompson, Isaac Lallard and Brad Noske amongst the best players for the Blood and Tars.

Kangarilla moved up to third spot on the ladder with a good 26-point win at local rivals Meadows. Kangarilla led by just 10 points at the last change but ran away with the game in the last term, kicking six goals to three, to win 16.16 (112) to 12.14 (86). Kangies shared the goals around with 10 different goalkickers. Jack Unger, Jamie Grosser and Thomas Hall all kicked three for the winners. Jacob Comley also kicked three goals for Meadows. Josh Albanese, Thomas Hall, Gabriel Bayliss, Adrian Albanese and Brendan Hillier were Kangarilla’s best while for Meadows Luke Smart, Comely and Andrew Coombe were their best.

Bridgewater-Callington won their first game of 2020 after a convincing 78-point win against Torrens Valley at Mount Torrens. Only poor kicking for goal by the Raiders kept the margin under 100 points as the final score was 12.18 (90) to 2.0 (12). Colonel Light Gardens recruit Alistair Fleming continued his good form with four majors which gives him 11 for the season so far. Jackson Hooper, Ben O’Donnell, Liam Healey, Will Fearnhead and Alfie Wenk were best for the Raiders. Dylan Rowe, Ashley Fawcett and Brandon Bormann battled hard for Torrens Valley.

Kersbrook have also won their first game of the season following their 29-point win against arch-rival Birdwood. The Brookers took to their home deck determined to get on the board for 2020 and they started well to lead by 12 points at the first break. The next two quarters were very even with Kersbrook turning for home with a 14-point lead before a four-goal to one final quarter saw the home side home 11.7 (73) to 5.12 (42). Jonathan Ross led the way for the home side with six goals while Josh Sykes was the only multiple goalkicker for the Roosters with two goals. Josh Laube, Tom Underwood, Henry Lawrie, Ryan Xanthopoulos and Dylan Bingos were the best players for the Brookers. Fraser Gehrich, Jack Ince and Justin Sheedy were amongst the best for the Roosters.

Gumeracha had the bye.

Ladder after Round 3

Ironbank-Cherry Gardens 6, Gumeracha 4, Kangarilla 4, Macclesfield 2, Bridgewater-Callington 2, Meadows 2, Birdwood 2, Kersbrook 2, Torrens Valley 0.

Round 4 fixtures (Home team named first)

Bridgewater-Callington v Meadows

Kangarilla v Ironbank-Cherry Gardens

Macclesfield v Kersbrook

Gumeracha v Torrens Valley

Birdwood has the bye