De La move into William Buck Premier top four, while T’s regain lead

De La Salle defeated the ladder leaders for the second consecutive week, backing up last round’s win against Old Trinity with an 18-point victory against St Bernard’s at Waverley Oval. Despite battling inaccuracy in front of goal, De La’s 32 scoring shots to 19 proved enough to record their seventh win from the last eight matches, with a tie the outlier. Leigh Harrison and Adrian Indovino kicked seven majors between them, while Hugh Nicholson continued to notch up disposals through the midfield. The win propels De La into the top four and forces Bernard’s below the T’s.

Collegians registered their most important win for the season with a come-from-behind 40-point win against Old Carey at Harry Trott Oval. Entering the match in ninth place and facing relegation, the Lions put together a 12-goal to four second half to overrun the Panthers. Shura Taft strung together a match to remember, booting four goals to help his side climb above Old Scotch and into eighth position on the ladder. The loss caused the Panthers to fall from fourth to sixth with wins to both University Blacks and De La doing their finals chances no favours.

University Blacks put a line through the possibility of relegation and kept their finals hopes alive with a 17-point victory against Beaumaris at Banksia Reserve. Trailing by five points at quarter time, the Blacks held their nerve to kick eight goals to six in the remaining three quarters and keep the cellar dwellers with just two wins for the season.  Andrew Willingham was named best afield for the Blacks, while Matthew Lovejoy stood tall and kicked three for the Sharks. The win pushes the Blacks past Old Carey on the William Buck ladder and just half a game outside the top four.

Old Trinity returned to the winner’s column, and subsequently the top of the ladder, following their 41-point victory against Old Xaverians at Toorak Park. A six-goal to one opening term was the catalyst to the T’s win, as the Xavs were unable to make any inroads throughout the remainder of the match. Alex Polidoros and Jake Walsh starred in front of the big sticks, snagging eight goals between them. Matt Handley played a lone hand for the Xavs, kicking four of his side’s 10 goals. The Xavs must now defeat Old Scotch in the final round of the home and away season to ensure they put a line through the possibility of relegation.

University Blues made it five wins on the trot with a 51-point win over Old Scotch at Melbourne University Oval. 37 scoring shots to 16 was the story of the match, with the Blues leading from start to finish and refusing to give an inch until the match had been put away in the fourth. Blues’ captain Cam Williams starred in a best-on-ground display, while Jack Watts and Patrick Gardiner booted four goals each. It was a devastating loss for the Cardinals, who now face certain relegation unless they defeat Old Xaverians in the final round next week.