Panthers break through for first win of 2016

Old Carey has broken through for their first win of the year in sensational fashion, holding off St Kevin’s by three points at St Kevin’s College. The Panthers have threatened for stages of games throughout the past month, but pieced together a full four-quarter display and led by six points or less at every break.  Joel Rice was unstoppable with three goals, while Ben Smithwick continued his standout form with a deserved BOG. Nick Wood kicked two goals for SKOB, who now sit two and a half games outside the top four.

Old Trinity returned to form after going winless since Round 6 and defeated Collegians by 21 points at Daley Oval. Despite a four-goal effort from Will Tardif, the Lions were unable to curb a best-on-ground performance from two-time Woodrow medallist, Brendan Iezzi, and stunning displays from Anthony Scott and Harry Tinney. Sam Hibbins and Andrew Scott fought hard all day for the Lions, who sit seventh at 6-6 and one and half games behind the fourth-placed T’s.

After the commencing the season 1-3, University Blacks have now pieced together seven wins from their past eight games with their latest a hard-fought 26-point victory against De La Salle at Uni Oval. It was a slow start as both sides acclimatised to the heavy mud-induced conditions, with just 10 points separating the sides at three quarter time. A 2.6 to 0.2 final term gave the Blacks the comfortable victory in the end, with Charlie Richardson the only player on the field with multiple goals. Skipper Bede Mahon was outstanding in the Blacks’ midfield and earnt another BOG, while both Sam and Jake Williams offered continuous drive off half back for De La. The Blacks move into second spot on the ladder, while De La fall from first to third.

Old Xaverians heaped more pressure on the top four as they continued their red-hot form with a 61-point win against Old Melburnians at Sportscover Arena. Leading by 17 at the main break, the Xavs piled on six unanswered goals in the second half, with Matt Handley strengthening his position at the top of the goal kicking leader board with four. Nick Serafini and Dan Noonan led from the front for Xavs, while Lachie Borthwick and Oscar Hosking did their utmost for OMs. The Xavs move to fifth on the ladder and one spot above OMs.

University Blues moved to the top of the William Buck Premier ladder with a 15-point victory against St Bernard’s at the Snakepit. Thomas MacKenzie and Tom Quinn kicked two each for the Blues, and Jeremy Taylor starred in a best-on-ground performance. Chris Hughes was the sole multiple goal kicker for the Snow Dogs, who sit 2-10 after the first 12 rounds.