William Buck Premier Round 1 Wrap

Welcome to season 2015 of William Buck Premier Section and in perfect conditions for football, four sides got off to the best possible start, with both Beaumaris and Old Carey left to wonder what might have been as they played out an opening day draw.

The Sharks trailed at the final change, but took the lead with two quick goals, before Old Carey booted two of their own to reassume control. Another Beaumaris surge had them in front with less than five minutes to go but the Panthers again came, kicking a goal and a behind to take a one point lead. The Sharks had one last chance, but could only manage a behind and then the siren sounded. Raph Clarke was amongst the best for the homes side whilst youngster James Gaff stood our for the Panthers.

Old Scotch surprised everyone except themselves as they ruined Uni Blacks day at Uni Oval. The ceremonial raising of the premiership flag wasn’t enough to inspire the Blacks to a win as Old Scotch piled on the goals at will. Bot Barnett and Daggian booted four goals each as the Cardinals were never headed on their way to recording a 24 point win against the reigning premiers. Blacks rallied in the third term but couldn’t close the gap enough and Old Scotch ran away with it in the last.

Old Xaverians jumped out of the blocks against Collegians at Toorak Park to take a commanding lead into quarter time. The Lions responded in the second but they were never closer than a couple of kicks. Matt Handley picked up where he left off last year and slotted four goals as Xavs eased to a 43 point win over the Lions. More telling was that Xavs had 11 goalkickers in the win.

University Blues show no signs of a premiership hangover in their 34 point win over De La Salle at the Dairy Bell. IT was a tight affair in the first half before Blues were able to do as they often did last year and kick clear after the long break. Ross Young was a welcome return to the Blues line up and was amongst their best, whilst De La Salle supporters saw evidence of the talents of Xavier Murphy who booted four goals.

At Daley Oval, Old Trinity doubled their score in the last quarter to come from 28 points down and defeat St Bernard’s by five points in a thriller. The T’s looked spent at three quarter time and a Jesse Mununzio set shot from 20meters could have put St Bernard’s out to a 33 point lead inside the opening minutes of the final term but he missed. Then Old Trinty booted three goals in almost as many minute, including two brilliant running goals to Jack Hunt, one of his right and then one on his left that gave life to the men in green. Harry Tinney’s move to the middle in the last and Brendan Iezzi efforts to finally break the shackles of the glove like Steve Fleming were pivotal as Old Trinity gave a repeat performance of this game from last year.