Holmesglen U19 flags decided

James Mottershead

U19 Premier

Old Xaverians claimed the U19 Premier flag in a thriller at Box Hill City Oval, defeating Beaumaris by 10 points. The Sharks led by four points going in to the last quarter, having had five more scoring shots but it was the Xavs who piled on the pressure and ultimately the goals to prevail by 10 points. Beaumaris had their chances and, led by a standout performance from Lewis Diggins, looked as though they might snatch it. Lucas Soccio and Alex Trigar had other ideas though, and led Xavs to a four-goal to two term and ultimately the flag. Soccio kicked four goals for the Xavs while Joel Cusack mirrored that output for the Sharks.

U19 Premier Reserve

De La Salle and St Kevin’s fought out a tight first three quarters in the Under-19 Premier Reserve Grand Final before SKOB’s blew the contest to shreds in the last. Leading by 16 points going into the last quarter St Kevins had the premiership within touching distance and weren’t about to let it get away. In a fourth quarter onslaught, the top of the ladder side piled on nine goals to two, allowing celebrations to start before the 62-point win was officially confirmed by the final siren. Ben Pearce kicked five for SKOB’s and Harry Hopkins continued his good finals series being best on ground. Riccardo Rando was impressive throughout for De La, kicking a goal and being named their best player on the day.

U19 Section 2

The two best teams all season locked horns in the Under-19 Section 2 Grand Final at Trevor Barker Oval on Saturday. Collegians jumped to an early lead and never looked back, running away with the game and the premiership. In what can only be described as a dominant display from the Lions, they were rarely troubled by Old Carey on their way to the 27-point win. Nick Punter and Cameron Tennant led the way with three goals each, while Sam Walker played a starring role for the Lions. Danyon Reinbold fought hard for Old Carey and Wade Brusnahan proved potent around the big sticks, kicking three.

U19 Section 3

Old Haileybury looked as though they’d be a tough nut to crack at quarter time in their Under-19 Section 3 Grand Final against Old Ivanhoe. But things went downhill quickly from there. Haileybury only managed another four goals for the game and Ivanhoe jumped into the driver’s seat, slamming on 15 goals in the last three quarters to run away with what turned out to be a simple 54-point win. Max Jones slotted four majors for Old Ivanhoe and Seamus Gibbs popped up for one himself in a best on ground performance. Spencer Ward was outstanding for Old Haileybury, capping off an extremely impressive finals series.

U19 Section 4

Mazenod proved to be the best team in Under-19 Section 4 during the normal season and dominated their Grand Final against PEGS. Mazenod were never really troubled on their way to a resounding 48-point win. Aiden Brand-Oliver was everywhere for Mazenod, finishing with four goals in a best on ground performance. He was ably assisted by Tom Riley who chimed in with three goals of his own. Nick Senserrick was an important player for PEGS and impressed onlookers. The result was just rewards for Mazenod who finished three and a half games clear on the ladder during the season.

U19 Section 5

Melbourne High School Old Boys’ remarkable finals run came to an abrupt end in Under-19 Section 5 at the hands of Old Camberwell. The Wellers’ miserly defence was again on show and kept MHSOB scoreless in the first quarter and to only three goals for the game. Piling on 11 goals of their own and leading by 55 points at three quarter time the result was never in doubt. Lachie Powell and Harrison Veitch kicked three goals each for Camberwell, while Josh Holding was dominant in a best on ground effort.  

Feature photo: Ari Hatzis