Mustangs draw level with Northstars as Melbourne flex championship credentials

James Lane

The Melbourne Mustangs produced another flawless weekend to draw level with Newcastle at the top of the ladder, while Canberra continued its late-season charge and Melbourne Ice reminded everyone they remain a dangerous finals contender.

Melbourne Mustangs 6 – 2 Melbourne Ice

Friday night’s Melbourne derby belonged to the Mustangs.

A dominant 3–0 opening period immediately put them in control, and although the Ice responded by winning the second period 2–1, the Mustangs shut the door with another two unanswered goals in the third.

It was exactly the type of composed performance Melbourne needed to begin a crucial weekend.

Newcastle Northstars 7 – 3 Adelaide Adrenaline

The Northstars kept pace at the top with another comfortable victory over Adelaide.

The Adrenaline made Newcastle work early and trailed by just a single goal after the opening period, but the contest swung heavily in the second as the Northstars exploded for four goals while conceding just one.

Melbourne Ice 8 – 3 Sydney Bears

Sunday’s final score hardly reflected how long this contest remained in the balance.

The teams were tied 1–1 after both the first and second periods before Melbourne unleashed one of the most devastating final periods of the season, scoring seven goals while allowing just two.

What had been an arm wrestle instantly became a rout.

Central Coast Rhinos 5 – 2 Sydney Ice Dogs

The Rhinos picked up an important win to halt their recent slide.

After an even opening period finished 1–1, Central Coast seized control through a strong second frame, winning it 3–1 before adding another goal in the third to complete the upset over the Ice Dogs.

Melbourne Mustangs 7 – 1 Sydney Bears

If the Mustangs were impressive on Friday, they were ruthless on Sunday.

After conceding in the opening period, Melbourne completely shut the Bears down for the remainder of the game while piling on seven goals of their own.

Brody Crane continued his outstanding campaign with three goals and an assist, leading another polished attacking display.

Canberra Brave 9 – 5 Brisbane Lightning

Canberra completed another important weekend by overcoming Brisbane in an entertaining, high-scoring affair.

The Lightning actually led 3–2 after the first period before the Brave responded with a six-goal second period to edge ahead 6–5.

Brisbane couldn’t find another goal in the third, allowing Canberra to finish strongly and pull away.

Sydney Ice Dogs 5 – 3 Adelaide Adrenaline

Adelaide again showed flashes of improvement but were left empty-handed.

The Ice Dogs controlled the contest throughout, keeping the Adrenaline chasing from the opening goal and ensuring Sydney stayed firmly in the finals race.

Standings

Melbourne Mustangs have surged level with Newcastle on 47 points after another perfect weekend, setting up what promises to be a thrilling finish to the race for the minor premiership. Perth remain close behind on 44 despite not playing this round and are still well within striking distance.

Canberra continue their late-season rise to 38 points and have strengthened their hold on fourth place, while the Ice Dogs move to 36 despite splitting their weekend.

Melbourne Ice have climbed to 35 points after their emphatic win over the Bears, leaving Sydney on 34 and suddenly looking over their shoulder. Central Coast improve to 29 with an important victory, Brisbane remain on 22, and Adelaide stay anchored to the bottom on 7.