Handley leads Xavs to first win, Tonners go 5-0

Seven goals from experienced Big V champion, Matt Handley, led Old Xaverians to their first win of 2018 as they defeated St Bedes/Mentone Tigers by four points at Toorak Park. Despite having six less scoring shots than the Tigers, the Xavs were a picture of accuracy in front of goal with 14.5 as they galvanised under the leadership of new coach Matt Hannebery and Handley. Hayden Troiani and Brendan Goss chipped in with two goals each for Xavs, while Nathan Smith’s outstanding form continued with five goals for the Tigers. Kye Beveridge was named the Tigers’ best and Michael Barnes was impressive yet again. The win elevates Xavs to eighth on the ladder, one spot below the Tigers in seventh.

St Kevin’s OB fought off a valiant effort from Old Scotch and ran out 33-point winners at Camberwell Sports Ground. Leading by 12 points at three quarter time, the reigning premiers kicked four goals to one in a dominant final term. James Strauss and Cal Matheson starred for SKOB, while Panayioti Karageorgiou top-scored with three goals in his first game. Jack Bull and Nick Jamieson were at the forefront of the Cardinals’ strong display, but the Camberwell locals now go 0-5 and sit in 10^th spot on the ladder.

Old Trinity returned to the winners’ column in emphatic fashion, defeating De La Salle by 34 points at the Daley Oval. Leading by 15 points at the half time break, the T’s piled on 16 goals to three in the third and fourth with Seb Nicolosi dominating and booting six. Anthony Larkey was named best afield for the T’s who now take their season tally to 4-1 as they sit two games clear in the four. Joshua Scipione was a standout for De La with four majors and teammate Ben Nethersole impressed. De La now fall to 1-4 and sit ninth on the ladder.

Despite giving up the last six goals of the game, Old Brighton held on for a thrilling two-point victory over University Blues at Uni Oval. The undefeated Tonners lead by 34 points at the final break but faced an inspired Blues outfit unwilling to give in with Tom Quinn and Dan Batarilo kicking two goals each in the final term. Nicholas Pavlou starred with four goals for the Tonners, while Fraser Gregson was best afield. Tim Harper’s hot form continued for the Blues as he booted five goals, but they now fall to 1-4 and three wins outside the top four. The Tonners maintained their spot in third and three wins above OMs in fifth.

Six goals to one in the final term helped Collegians to a 5-0 record after they defeated Old Melburnians by 36 points at Harry Trott Oval. The Lions led by just two points at the last break but used their elite running prowess to overpower the OMs with George Burbury dominating with four goals in a BOG performance. Taylor Hunt and Sam Hibbins were outstanding for the Lions, while Al Armstrong played a lone hand up forward for the Redlegs with five goals. Sam Hooper and Theo Rosenthal were the two best for OMs. Both sides remain second and fifth respectively.

Feature photo: Ari Hatzis