Cardinals break through for first win, Lions topple SKOB

St Kevin’s OB suffered their first loss of 2018, going down to Collegians by 28 points in the grand final replay at Harry Trott Oval. The Lions had 31 scoring shots to 18 over the course of the match as they dominated possession from the first bounce. It was SKOB who made the most of their chances in the first term and led by 14 points at the first break. The Lions hit back with five goals to one in the second and, despite successive goals to SKOB late in the third, the Lions won the second half with eight goals to six. Sam Hibbins was best afield for the hosts as he collected contested possessions at will and kicked three majors, while Alexander Croft top-scored with four goals and Tom Penberthy dominated through the ruck. Dom Russo came into this week’s side and played a pivotal role with two goals for the Lions alongside Matt Singleton. Vincent Adduci was outstanding for SKOB and kicked two goals, while Michael Di Natale and Conor Ross continued to impress as the match wore on. Despite their first loss of the season, SKOB remain at the top of the William Buck Premier ladder on the same amount of premiership points as Collegians (2^nd) and Old Brighton (3^rd).

Old Scotch broke their seven-game winless streak with a hard-fought six-point victory over Old Xaverians at Camberwell Sports Ground. The Cardinals kicked six goals to two and raced out to a 19-point lead before Xavs hit back with four unanswered in the second. A further nine goals to seven in the second half was enough for the Cardinals to overcome their rivals, with Jack Bull and Andy Jelbart leading the charge. James Sansom top-scored with three goals for the Cardinals while Josh Halsall added class upon his return to the senior line-up as one of four players with two majors. Brad Olsson was named best for the Xavs alongside Haydn Troiani as they suffered their sixth loss for the year. The Cardinals move from 10^th to ninth in the wake of their first win.

Old Brighton secured their seventh win from eight starts with a 39-point victory over Old Trinity at Daley Oval. The Tonners, who now trail SKOB and the Lions on just percentage, led at every break throughout the day and had a total of 32 scoring shots to 18. Nick Meerman fought hard for the T’s and was named their best player, while Ben Howell and Luke Pacconi impressed. No results had been entered for Old Brighton at the time of publication but it is their second win on the trot after defeating Oms last week on the back of their only loss to SKOB.

Old Melburnians moved to within half a game of the top four following their 35-point victory over De La Salle. Trailing by nine points at quarter time, OMs piled on 14 of the last 21 goals as Al Armstrong roamed the forward 50 and finished the game with five majors. Tom Paule and Nick Daish starred for the home side, while Jake Williams and Jacob Gotch were the best for De La. OMs are now just half a game behind the T’s who are in fourth spot on the ladder, while De La fall to seventh with a win-loss record of 3-5.

Four goals from Ayce Cordy in a best-on-ground performance helped University Blues to a 46-point victory over St Bedes/Mentone Tigers at Uni Oval. The Blues exploded from the blocks with six goals to one and continued to win the scoreboard battle with 11 goals to eight in the final three terms. Tim Harper and Tim Gaeppen each kicked three goals alongside Cordy, while Patrick Hayes and Ryan Eade were standouts across the ground. Michael Barnes continued his outstanding form for the Tigers but they now fall to 10^th spot on the ladder with one win from their opening eight games.