SKOB, Lions make Round 1 statement

St Kevin’s OB unfurled their first-ever premiership flag and backed it up with an outstanding 52-point victory over University Blues at TH King Oval. SKOB wore a full-on Blues attack early in the first quarter but fought hard defensively and entered the first break just one point down. Tom Jok and Nick Wood starred in a dominant second term for the home side where they piled on six unanswered goals. The Blues fought back over the next quarter and a half but a late flourish, led by Mitch Brown and Jack Holden, allowed SKOB to run away with it. Sam Critchley was sensational in defence and Billy Kanakis kicked four majors, while Tom Quinn and Kieran Harper kicked three each for the Blues.

Collegians made a huge statement in their Round 1 match-up against De La Salle as they ran out 76-point winners at Harry Trott Oval. Leading by 16 points at the first break, the Lions exploded with eight goals to two in a dominant second term. Will Johnson led the charge up forward with five goals for the home side, while Julian Eimutis and recruit Anthony Bruhn kicked three each. Despite a strong performance from Antony Forato and Jason Tutt, De La were unable to cap the Lions’ scoring with another eight goals to five kicked against them in the second half. Eimutis was best afield for the Lions while Courtney Hylton and Viv Michie were also outstanding.

Old Trinity kick-started their 2018 campaign under new coach Bernie Dinneen in sensational fashion, defeating Old Xaverians by eight points at Toorak Park. After falling to a 19-point deficit at the first break, the T’s clawed their way to a one-goal lead with six goals to two in the second term. The Xavs hit back and led by eight points heading into the final term but another three goals to one ensured the green and gold recorded the come-from-behind victory. Ruckman, Harry Thompson, was named BOG for the T’s while teammates, Sam Joyce and Seb Nicolosi, top-scored with three goals each. Brendan Goss and Matt Handley kicked three each for the Xavs, while Tomi Johnston was their best.

The path to re-creating a cauldron at Brindisi St Oval commenced earlier today when they defeated Old Melburnians by seven points. Leading by 35 points at three quarter time, the Tigers were made to work for the win as OMs stormed home with seven goals to two. Jaryd Robertson and Dan Garside led the way for the home side with standout performances while Tate Short, Michael Barnes, Nathan Smith and Pat Tyquin shared two goals each. Matt Thomas and Oscar Hosking fought hard for the Redlegs, and Mitch Banner debuted with a handy three goals.

Old Brighton held strong in the face of an Old Scotch fourth-quarter comeback to take out the Premier B Grand Final re-match at Brighton Beach Oval. Leading by 20 points at three quarter time, the Tonners gave up four goals to two, including three in the final 10 minutes, but held on for a thrilling five-point victory. Edward Tait and Thomas King were named best afield for the Tonners, while Gene Van Den Broek starred for the Cardinals. Anthony Zimmerman and Ari Sakeson both registered three goals for the Tonners.