OT, De La & Xavs among William Buck Premier winners

Old Xaverians solidified their position as one of the William Buck Premier favourites for the 2016 season as they defeated St Bernard’s by 51 points at St Bernard’s College. In a tough, hard-fought and roller coaster four quarter display, Xavs piled on eight straight goals in the final term to run away from the reigning premiers with a resounding victory. Matt Handley produced when the match was in the balance, kicking two of his four majors in a dominant fourth quarter, while Ben Kennedy and Michael Darvell gathered disposals at will. Despite sublime performances from last year’s joint-Woodrow medallist, Adam Bentick, Nathan Kazuro and Tom Sullivan, the Snow Dogs were unable to maintain momentum of a third quarter comeback – of which they kicked six goals to one – and will look to kick-start their back-to-back premiership campaign when they travel to Collegians next week.

In another result determined by a dominant fourth quarter, Old Trinity defeated Old Carey by 50 points at Carey Sports Complex. Led by a best-on-ground performance from Andrew Kyriacopolous and four majors from Ed Weatherson, the T’s kicked 4.7 to 0.1 in the final term to place themselves atop the William Buck Premier ladder after Round One with a percentage of 196.15. Despite being unable to kick a goal in the first term, the young Panthers’ outfit will take a lot from the five they were able to slot in the second, showcasing their ability to score in quick succession. Sam Cust and Joel Rice stood tall for the Panthers in the face of the final quarter blow out, while Cameron Wallace was their sole multiple goal kicker with two.

Former Swans Districts star, Tim Geappen, debuted in dominant fashion for University Blues as he kicked three majors in his side’s eight-point victory against Old Melburnians at Sportscover Arena. Despite trailing by two points at the half time break, Geappen and his teammates rallied as they kicked six goals to four in the final two quarters to edge out OMs at their new home ground. Tom Quinn and Jeremy Mugavin snagged two each for the Blues, while Alexander Armstrong claimed three of his own for OMs.

De La Salle put an end to St Kevin’s 20 game winning streak when they defeated the reigning Premier B champions by 16 points at TH King Oval. In a clear continuation of the fast-paced and enthralling form they showcased throughout the back half of last season, De La kicked six goals to three in the final term to run over SKOB and assert themselves as genuine contenders in 2016. Jacob Gotch starred with three goals in his best-on-ground performance for De La, while Nicholas Wood and Anthony Giarrusso ran riot for SKOB.

University Blacks and senior coach, Cam Roberts, reignited their relationship where they left off in 2014, defeating Collegians by 35 points at Melbourne University. 30 scoring shots to 20 told the story of the day as the Blacks reduced a six-point half time deficit with two quick goals off the boot of goal kicking star, Alastair Robbins and Hugh Curnow, and maintained the lead for the remainder of the match.