Bernard’s finish top, while Cardinals join Sharks in Premier B

Old Scotch were unable to avoid relegation and will play in Premier B in 2016 after Old Xaverians defeated them by 29 points at Camberwell Sports Ground. In a wet and low-scoring affair, the Cardinals struggled to finish their opportunities, with Xavs’ defenders working overtime to repel numerous forward thrusts. Chris Larkins returned from concussion in sublime form for the Xavs, while James Strauss and Jack Bull stood tall for the Cardinals. Old Xaverians finished the season in sixth position with eight wins and 10 losses.

De La Salle solidified their position in next week’s semi-finals with an 82-point victory against Beaumaris. Leading by 13 points at the end of the first term, De La hit the accelerator and piled on 11 of the next 12 goals to run out the match. Leigh Harrison and Hugh Nicholson led from the front for De La, with both kicking four goals each and Nicholson finding plenty of the sherrin in a best-on-ground performance. One of the greatest mid-season comebacks in William Buck Premier history, De La recovered from a disastrous first half of the season to win eight of their last nine matches and enter the finals series as a fan-favourite.

University Blues will take their winning momentum into next week’s final series after they held on to defeat Old Trinity by one point at Trinity Grammar. It was an interesting match with both sides going through respective quarters without bothering the scoreboard. Trailing by 31 points at half time, the T’s did all they could to reduce the deficit but ultimately fell short by the smallest of margins.  Captain Hugh Vickers-Willis starred for the Blues, while Ben Howell did his utmost in his side’s loss. Both sides will feature next weekend with the T’s set to face off with St Bernard’s, while the Blues clash with De La.

St Bernard’s completed their home and away fixture on top of the William Buck Premier ladder after they defeated Old Carey by 54 points at St Bernard’s College. Leading by just four points at the main break, Bernard’s sent through 13 goals to five in the second half to run away with the victory. Tom Sullivan starred for the home side with four goals, while Nathan Kazuro was named best on ground. The end of the home and away fixture puts to bed a horror five-game losing streak for the Panthers, who will look to regroup and come out firing in 2016.

Collegians ended their 2015 campaign on a high after recording a valiant five-point come-from-victory against University Blacks at Melbourne University Oval. Trailing by 17 points at the start of the fourth quarter, the Lions kicked seven goals straight to the Blacks’ three in the final term to run over the top of their opponents.  Tim Phillips starred in a best-on-ground performance for the Lions, while Huw Lacey snagged two for the Blacks. The Lions finished the season in eighth position on the ladder, while the Blacks finished fifth.