OM’s break 17-year drought, De La hold off Tigers

Old Melburnians ended a 17-year drought at the Uni Oval and climbed to fifth spot on the William Buck Premier Men’s ladder after they defeated University Blacks by 27 points. Leading by 12 points at the half, OMs kicked nine goals to six in the second half, with Justin De Steiger returning to the line-up with four majors. Captain Tom Paule kicked three in his second best-on-ground performance from the past three matches while another five Redlegs kicked multiples. Joel Ernest starred for the Blacks and John Vrodos bagged three goals for the second time in three games. The Blacks were down to one on the bench at the start of the third and fought valiantly despite being undermanned.

A best-on-ground performance from Viv Michie helped Collegians to a 42-point victory over Beaumaris at Harry Trott Oval. Michie, who also kicked three goals for the match, led the charge as the Lions piled on five goals to one in the final term after leading by 15 at the last break. Nick Dixon also registered three majors while Al Fahie and Sam Hibbins were named in the best players. Scott Braithwaite continued his outstanding season for the Sharks with three goals, while Scott Gower and Luke Edmondson impressed. The Lions remain second and half a game behind SKOB while the Sharks continue their charge to their first win.

University Blues solidified third spot on the ladder with a 20-point win over Old Xaverians at Toorak Park. Xavs jumped to a 13-point lead at the first break on the back of two Matt Handley goals in the opening term, before the Blues piled on the first four goals of the second with Pete Summers and Ross Young leading the charge. Nine goals to seven in the second half gave the Blues their eighth win of the year and sixth from the past seven rounds, with Tim Gaeppen and Kieran Harper kicking four goals each. Ben Kennedy and Chris Margin starred for the Xavs while Handley finished with three majors. Xavs now fall to sixth after OMs jumped past following their win over Blacks.

De La Salle held off an unrelenting St Bedes/Mentone Tigers and ran out seven-point winners at Waverley Oval. De La led by seven at the last break but scores were tied midway through the fourth before the home side settled and retook the lead. Jacob Gotch and Chris Robinson continued their outstanding form for De La and Adrian Indovino top-scored with three goals, taking his season tally to 25 from 12 games. Dean Porter and Michael Barnes were the best for the Tigers, who remain eighth and just half a game ahead of Trinity and the Blacks.

St Kevin’s retained their spot atop the ladder with a comprehensive 69-point victory over Old Trinity at Daley Oval. SKOB led by 17 points at half time and exploded for 12 of the last 16 goals while remaining accurate at 20.13. Fresh off a standout performance in last week’s Big V win over AFL Vic Country, captain Brendan Iezzi starred for the T’s and was their best player for the third time in the past five matches. Tom Young and Luke Pacconi were impressive while Jack Osborn, Alex Polidoros and Jake Walsh kicked two each. No bests or goals had been submitted for SKOB at the time of publication.