Blues the real deal as Tonners knock off SKOB

University Blues stamped their authority all over William Buck Premier with a comprehensive 105-point victory over Old Melburnians at Elsternwick Park. After a hard-fought and tight opening term, the Blues piled on six goals to one in the second before running over OM’s with a further 14 goals to three in the second half. The disposal count spoke volumes of the match with the Blues touching it 358 times to OM’s 225. Ayce Cordy showed why he is considered one of, if not, the best player in the competition with six goals including four in the first half, while Josh Green booted six himself. Connor Lappin was outstanding in defence and will threaten the goal kickers for votes while Tom Quinn, Jeremy Taylor and Marshall Rippon added run and carry. Josh Freezer did his utmost down back for OM’s despite the onslaught of forward 50 entries and was well-backed by impressive midfield performances from Tom Paule and Gus Borthwick.

Old Brighton notched their first win of 2019 with an incredible 23-point upset over St Kevin’s OB at TH King Reserve. The Tonners kicked four goals to two in the first quarter and maintained their lead with 11 goals to nine over the final three terms. Harry Hill was back to his award-winning best with three goals and 24 disposals with two of his goals coming back-to-back in the second term. Teammate Nic Pavlou continued his outstanding start to the season with 37 touches, 34 of which were by foot. Cal Matheson and Sam Critchley led the charge for SKOB with 24 disposals apiece, while Jarrad Waite had 19 and kicked two goals.

Collegians kick-started their 2019 campaign with their first win, defeating Old Carey by 29 points at Harry Trott Oval. Four unanswered goals in the first term paved the path for the Lions as they piled on 35 scoring shots to 21 for the game. Despite losing the hit out count, Collegians’ midfielders were on top as they dominated clearances 36-23 with Sam Hibbins and Viv Michie particularly influential. Will Johnson kicked three goals alongside Lachie Ferguson’s two in his first match for the season. Will Nichols continued his elite form for the Panthers and Kristian Jaksch was back to his best with four goals.

Old Xaverians maintained their unbeaten run three rounds into the season with a comfortable 54-point win over Old Trinity at the Daley Oval. As they’ve done all season, Xavs opened the game in serious form with five goals to one before kicking another 10 goals to five. While stats were relatively equal across most categories, it was the quality of entry inside 50 that really stood out for Xavs. Matt Margin kicked three goals in the first term en route to five for the match, while Matt Handley booted three for Xavs. Austin Hodge continued to impress for Trinity as they now slump to three straight losses.

St Bernard’s retained top spot on the William Buck Premier ladder with a 52-point win over De La Salle at the Snake Pit. Leading by 11 points at half time, the Snow Dogs ignited with seven goals to one in the second half. Adam Bentick was at his best with 29 disposals and a goal for the Snow Dogs while young star Charlie Vague racked up 25 and one himself. Hugh Nicholson’s strong early season form continued with 23 touches for De La alongside Antony Forato’s 72 hit outs.