Draws, Derbys and the Dominant Handley in Rd 13 William Buck Premier

University Blues were far too strong for their arch-rivals in today’s Melbourne University derby, defeating the Blacks by 34 points. In a must-win game for both sides, the Blues hit the ground running as they kicked nine first-half goals to the Blacks’ four. The second half proved a much scrappier affair as neither team could gain the ascendancy, with just five goals kicked in that time. Mugavin and Quinn kicked two each for the Blues, while Huntington was the only multiple goal-scorer for the Blacks. The win propels the Blues above the Blacks into fifth but still one game behind the Xavs in fourth.

Old Carey and De La Salle played out the match of the round as both sides tied with 87 points each at Carey Sports Complex. It was mammoth effort from De La after they fell to an 18-point deficit at half time. A six-goal to four final term proved costly for the Panthers, as they let slip a vital win and drew for the second time this season in a match they were favoured to win. The draw sees the Xavs close the gap between them and the Panthers to just four premiership points, while De La receive some breathing space between themselves and Old Scotch in ninth.

Old Trinity increased their winning streak to three with a nail-biting eight-point win against Old Scotch at Camberwell Sports Ground. The T’s were trailing all day until their notorious fourth-quarter run came to fruition once again, helping them kick 4.8 to 1.1 in the final term. Ned Hunt and Gabe Hamilton continued their outstanding form for the T’s, while Ash Lim was the best for the Cardinals. Despite the win, the Trinity boys still sit below St Bernards in second due to an inferior percentage. The Cardinals’ loss, combined with De La’s tie, leaves them outright ninth and facing relegation.

St Bernards fought off a gallant Collegians outfit to run out 17-point winners at St Bernards College this afternoon. With only one point between the two sides at half time, Bernards battled courageously to register five goals to three in the final two quarters and keep their position atop the William Buck Premier ladder. Michael Angel and Simon Caven were best afield for Bernards, while James Jorgensen was named for the Lions.

Old Xaverians prove to be clicking at the right time of the season, defeating Beaumaris by 46 points at Toorak Park for their second win on the trot. A second consecutive five-goal haul from the Premier division’s most dominant big man Matt Handley helped paved the way for the Xavs as they piled on 16 goals to nine for the match. It was a crucial win for the Xavs, given the University Blues’ superior ladder percentage following their derby win against University Blacks. Unfortunately for the Sharks, they’re now consigned to almost certain relegation as they sit two games behind with few games left of the season.