Bendigo’s Sam Crome, riding for the Avanti Isowhey Sports team for the first time, has taken out the 2016 Lakes Oil-Fulton Hogan Tour of the Great South Coast which finished in Portland last Sunday. The twenty-three-year-old took just an eleven second advantage over Lakes-Oil’s Benjamin Hill into the final stage criterium on the scenic waterfront circuit and held that margin all the way to the finish with his teammate, Ballarat’s Patrick Shaw, a further seven seconds back in third place.

Crome took over the Tour lead on the second stage around the Blue Lakes circuit in Mount Gambier on the opening day of racing. Conditions for that stage were deplorable as heavy rain and then a hail storm descended over the peloton mid-race and it appeared at one point that organisers had some concern over the completion to the stage.

Williamstown remain on top of the Peter Jackson VFL ladder after a solid 33-point win over Port Melbourne at a soggy North Port Oval in round sixteen. The Seagulls booted the first five goals of the match and were never really troubled after that winning 14.12.96 to 10.3.63.

The loss for the Borough, ending their five game winning streak and making it tough for them to break into the top four with a hard run home. Williamstown are now one game clear in top spot and well placed to defend their title as reigning premiers and a possible top two finish.

Richmond have all but ended any finals aspirations the Northern Blues had with a strong 44 point win over the Blues at Ikon Park in round eighteen of the Peter Jackson VFL season. After an even first half in which both sides booted ten goals and only three points separated them, the Tigers booted clear in the second half with nine goals to three and celebrated their third win in a row winning 19.11.125 to 13.3.81.

Kane Lambert put his hand up for AFL selection, starring for the Tigers with three goals and 37 possessions while Liam McBean got going in the second half making an impact to snare four goals. Ben Lennon also figured in his side's best with 23 touches and three goals.

Footscray remain in the hunt for a top four spot following a come-from-behind win over Richmond in round 14 of Peter Jackson VFL at VU Whitten Oval. The Bulldogs had trailed all day before former Essendon player, Lauchlan Dalgleish, booted the final three goals of the match to inspire his side to a nine point victory 11.8.74 to 9.11.65.

The Tigers chances of playing finals are all but over and despite playing well in patches in recent games, they haven't been able to find a win they desperately needed to stay in touch with the top eight. There was a good crowd on hand with plenty of interest in both forward lines featuring Bulldogs Tom Boyd (above) and dumped Tiger Tyrone Vickery.