De La take top spot, T’s & OMs can’t be split

Old Trinity and Old Melburnians played out the William Buck Premier match of the round in more ways than one this weekend. Not only were the 96.5 Inner FM team commentating from Daley Oval, but scores were level 53-all when the final siren sounded, with OMs kicking three goals to one in the final quarter to pinch two points on the overall standings. Ned Hunt (OT) and Nick Daish (OM) stood out in the harsh Melbourne conditions, while Al Armstrong kicked three for OMs. The T’s found another player to add to their stocks in Callum Rae as he registered two majors on debut. The T’s fall from top spot second on the ladder and half a game behind De La.

University Blues hit back after last week’s two-point loss to De La Salle, coming out on top in a hard-fought one-point thriller over St Kevin’s at Uni Oval. With the conditions unconducive to high-scoring and free-flowing football, the Blues battled their way to just two goals and 16 behinds, outscoring the three majors put through from their opponents. Cam Williams made a welcome return in his first game since April, kicking one of the Blues’ goals and helping his side to their sixth win of the season. Will Cuningham’s form continues to impress as he was BOG, while Stephen Gilham kicked two for SKOB.

Collegians will enter the mid-season bye on the positive side of the win/loss scale after defeating Old Xaverians by 12 points at Harry Trott Oval and taking their overall record to 5-4. Trailing by six points at the half, the Lions kicked five goals to two in the second half, with three unanswered in the premiership quarter. Lindsay Apted and Andrew Scott were dominant for the Lions, while Tom Williams stood tall for Xavs.

University Blacks made it five wins from their past five outings as they defeated Old Carey by 50 points at Carey Sports Complex. A three-goal to nil opening term set the scene for the Blacks’ five-for in tough conditions, with the Panthers kicking just one goal in each of the ensuing three quarters. Tom Sharp kicked five on his return from injury for the Blacks, while Andrew Sloan stood out in defence for the Panthers.

De La Salle worked their way to the top of the table with a 10-point victory against St Bernard’s at the Snakepit. Despite trailing by 17 points at the first break, De La piled on 11 of the next 17 goals of the game with Edward Clinch kicking three in his first game of the year. Nick Curwood dominated in a best-on-ground performance and Jacob Gotch kicked two. Jordan Schroder continued his standout form for the Snow Dogs, who now enter the half way mark of the year with just one win to their name.