University Blues recorded a much-needed 25-point win over St Bedes/Mentone Tigers at Brindisi St Oval. After plummeting into eighth spot on the ladder following their Round 15 loss, the Blues put the foot down in the second term with six goals to one proving the difference between the two sides. Jeremy Taylor and Connor Lappin were the best for the Blues, while Dan Batarilo top-scored with three goals. Nathan Smith booted three goals for the Tigers as they sit 10th and two games behind those outside of relegation territory with just two games remaining for the season. The Blues move into sixth, a game and a half above relegation.
Seven goals to one in the second half helped Old Trinity to a 24-point come-from-behind victory over Old Melburnians at the Daley Oval. Trailing by 19 points at half time, the T’s straightened in front of goal as they added 7.9 after kicking 1.6 in the opening half, while keeping their opponents to just eight points after the main break. Seb Nicolosi and Ben Howell continued their outstanding form for the T’s, while Al Armstrong kicked three goals for OMs. Josh Freezer starred once again for OMs, but they suffered their 10th loss and remain a game outside relegation. The win keeps the T’s a game and a half above Xavs.
Old Xaverians made it four wins from their past five games after they defeated De La Salle by just six points in a thriller at Toorak Park. Trailing by 21 points at three quarter time, the Xavs exploded in the fourth with four unanswered goals allowing them to overrun the La Sallians for their seventh win of the year. Dan Noonan and Jason Holmes continued their elite form across half back and through the ruck for the Xavs, while Matt Handley was the only multiple goal kickers for his side. Tom Humphrey and Brendan Close fought valiantly for De La as they sit seventh and just a game above those in relegation territory.
Old Brighton caused the upset of the round, defeating the ladder-leading Collegians by 15 points at Harry Trott Oval. The third-placed Tonners led by three points at the first break before piling on five straight goals in the second and holding on when the Lions hit back with six goals to three in the second half. Sebastian Williams kicked three goals for the Tonners alongside standout performances from co-captain Dylan Verney and Ben Jarick. Lindsay Apted and Hugh Johnson were the best of the Lions.
St Kevin’s OB proved far too strong for Old Scotch, running out 22-point winners at TH King Oval. Leading by two points at half time, SKOB kicked six goals to two in a dominant second half with five of those coming in the third. Henry Parkes led all comers with three goals for SKOB while Ethan Phillips and Lachlan Farrugia were outstanding. Ned Reeves and James Corboy also kicked two each. SKOB is back to the same number of wins as the Lions but trail them on the ladder by 11%.