SKOB deliver message as T’s tie Lions

Nick Armistead

St Kevin’s OB delivered a message to the rest of William Buck Premier with a resounding 40-point victory over Old Xaverians at TH King Oval. SKOB utilised the strong breeze in the first term with four unanswered goals but got on top of the ladder-leaders in the second when they kicked another four goals against the wind while keeping Xavs to just one. Both sides kicked five goals apiece in the second half, but the result was well and truly decided when SKOB entered three quarter time with a 57-point lead. Nick Wood starred with 21 disposals and six clearances for SKOB as he led from the front with his fierce attack on both the ball and ball carrier, while Lachie Sullivan opened the game up with 17 of his 25 possessions in the opening half. Sam Critchley was outstanding across half back and finished the game with 12 marks, while Phil Edgar and Billy Kanakis kicked three each. Matt Merlo (29) and Cauley Beetham (30) found plenty of it for Xavs but Dan Noonan was their best with 23 and eight marks in a controlled performance down back. One of the highlights of the match was the ruck dual between Anthony Lynch and Jason Holmes while James Strauss improved as the game went on in just his third match for the season. The win keeps SKOB within striking distance of the top two as they try to hunt down Uni Blues in second spot on the ladder.

Old Trinity moved themselves out of the bottom two and into eighth spot on the ladder following their second draw of the season, this time tying Collegians 76-76 at Harry Trott Oval. With the lead see-sawing at every break and in accordance with the direction of the wind, the T’s came from 17 points down at three quarter time with four goals to one in the final term. Nathan Boucher, who was a late inclusion from VFL level, starred for the Lions with four goals and 21 disposals while Sam Hibbins gave an elite all-round performance with 29 touches, six tackles, six marks and 11 clearances. Jack Hunt was sensational for the T’s with 20 and three goals alongside Gabe Hamilton and Harry Thompson. Collegians remain fourth and a game ahead of Brighton, while the T’s are out of a relegation position for the first time since Round 7. They also drew with Brighton earlier in the season.

Old Brighton kept their final chances well and truly alive with a 25-point victory over Old Melburnians at Elsternwick Park. The Tonners trailed by 14 points at half time before kicking seven unanswered goals in a match-winning third term. Tom Yorgey was outstanding with 25 disposals and two goals in a best-on-ground performance, while Nick Pavlou registered 36 and two goals – his seventh game with 30 or more disposals. Stu Watson was named best for OM’s and Josh Freezer had 21 touches as they slip into sixth spot on the ladder as the Tonners jump into fifth.

St Bernard’s proved too strong for Old Carey in their Round 12 encounter, running out 79-point winners at the Snake Pit. The Snow Dogs booted six unanswered goals in the opening term and maintained their form with 10 to four thereafter. Adam Bentick returned to form in a big way with 30 disposals and 11 clearances alongside Ben Huggard who was impressive with two goals among his 23. James Gaff was named best for the Panthers and James El Moussalli racked up 24 touches and seven clearances through the midfield. It was the Snow Dogs’ sixth win of the season as they sit in seventh and three spots above the Panthers.

University Blues maintained a one-game buffer over SKOB with their ninth win of the season, defeating De La Salle by 62 points at Waverley Oval. Trailing by two points at the first break, the Blues exploded with 16 goals to six thereafter including eight goals to two in the second term. Kieran Harper, Ayce Cordy and Tim Harper dominated in front of goal with four majors each for the Blues, while Cam O’Shea and Marshall Rippon had 29 touches apiece. Hugh Nicholson continued his outstanding form for De La with 30 disposals and 10 clearances and Ed Clinch was their only multiple goal scorer with two. De La now falls into ninth spot on the ladder after the T’s drew with Collegians.