Bernard’s cause boil-over as Xavs move two games clear

Nick Armistead

St Bernard’s caused the upset of the round as they proved too strong for University Blues, running out seven-point winners at the Snake Pit. The Snow Dogs trailed by 21 points at half time after the Blues piled on five goals to one in the second term. However, the third quarter belonged to the home side as they kicked four unanswered goals and eventually held on in the final term. Adam Bentick was phenomenal for the Snow Dogs with 32 disposals and seven tackles, including a match-defining third term where he racked up 12 touches and willed his side through the midfield. Luke Di Lizio was a standout throughout the match, while Marshall Rippon had 28 in the Blues’ defence. The win allows the Snow Dogs to climb into sixth spot on the ladder while the Blues sit second after two straight losses.

Old Xaverians went two games clear at the top of the William Buck Premier ladder after they defeated De La Salle by 121 points at Waverley Oval. Led by a 43-disposal and three-goal game from star recruit Will Hams, Xavs were unstoppable after kicking five unanswered goals in the first term. Matt Handley top-scored with five majors, while Rohan Bewick kicked four and had 26 touches. De La midfielder Hugh Nicholson was once again their best with 30 possessions as they remain in eighth spot and a game and half above Trinity in ninth.

St Kevin’s OB claimed their sixth win from their past seven matches, defeating Old Trinity by 28 points at St Kevin’s College. The T’s jumped SKOB and held a seven-point lead at the first break before the home side mounted their comeback and kicked 13 of the last 21 goals. Zach Ginies and Billy Kanakis kicked four goals each for SKOB with Kanakis also racking up 28 possessions. Jack Hunt was a standout for the T’s with 31 disposals and two goals, but the T’s remain in ninth spot and a game and a half behind De La in eighth.

Three unanswered goals in the final term helped Collegians to their fifth win from their last six games as they defeated Old Brighton by 17 points at Harry Trott Oval. The Lions trailed by six at half time and two at the last break but goals to Alexander Croft, Lachie Ferguson and Anthony Bruhn sealed the win and allowed them to remain in fourth spot on the ladder. Al Fahie and Sam Hibbins each had 24 disposals for the Lions, while an undersized Ben Darrou rucked once again and starred with 22 touches and eight clearances. Nick Pavlou dished up another 30+ disposal game for the Tonners and Tom Yorgey provided plenty of assistance with 26.

Old Melburnians increased their percentage by more than 16% on the ladder following their 122-point win over Old Carey at Elsternwick Park. As they score line suggests, OM’s dominated every statistical category with 37 more scoring shots, 88 more disposals, 24 more clearances and 28 more inside 50’s in a complete performance. Jackson Paine hit the scoreboard 11 times for seven majors, while Tom Paule and Josh Freezer each had 30 touches. Liam Mackie played a lone hand for the Panthers with 26 disposals and 10 marks, while Sam Cust kicked two of his side’s three goals.