But a combination of poor kicking and an ominous Xaverian forward line would prove to be their undoing.
Xavs’ rover Justin Arnold played an incredible game, booting six goals to three-quarter-time. With Tim Clarke, Matt Handley and Dustin Lloyd helping themselves to four goals each, it was obvious that the home side had too much firepower. Teenager Brett Collins was the standout for the visitors who, with 16-17-113, had two more scoring shots than the red and blacks (23-8-146) but lacked their polish and nous.
The upshot is that Xavs are as good as ever, while St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers are very much at home at the pointy end of the competition.
There was more heartache for De La Salle today, as another victory slipped through their fingers. Old Scotch were in command all day but the home side came storming home, only to fall short by a goal. Better news for Old Brighton, who rolled the inconsistent Uni Blues by 22 points at Melbourne Uni. In the final game, Old Ivanhoe easily accounted for Old Trinity. Only the most fearless of bookmakers would offer odds on tomorrow’s game between Uni Blacks and Collegians.
B Section winners were OMs over Old Carey, St Bernards over Caulfield Grammarians and Old Essendon over Old Camberwell. In the turn-up, Marcellin well and truly touched up Old Haileybury.