De La go TA-DA, Tonners in top-four

Jake Morris

Ending their five-game losing streak today was De La Salle, as they downed a depleted St Bernard’s by nine-points at Waverley Oval. Led by Sean Fisher’s four-goal outing and outstanding play from Ryan O’Meara and Joseph Black, De La controlled play for most of the afternoon and powered through to collect their fourth win of the year. Adam Bentick was once again the Snow Dogs best, with an incredible 41 disposal outing, in a defeat that arguably ends their chances of finals this season.

For the first time since Round 4, Old Brighton have lodged themselves into the top-four after a thrilling four-point win over St Kevin’s at Brighton Beach Oval. Despite amassing just seven-points in the final stanza and surviving a late flurry from SKOB, the Tonners were able to hold on for a season defining win. None could look past Nick Pavlou in this win, who was named best afield with his two majors and phenomenal 54 disposals, while Elliot Le Grice and Edward Tait also stood out in the victory. Ethan Phillips was named SKOB’s best.

Keeping their top-two credentials in check was Old Xaverians, as they dismissed Old Carey by 39 points at Casey Sports. Leading from start-to-finish, the Xavs used a six-goal final quarter bonanza to cruise past Carey for win number 12. Denis Symeopoulos and Jack Hewitt both kicked two while Tom Gilbert and Sam Ralph received the votes in the win. Kristian Jaksch booted three for Carey, but it was to no avail as they drop their 14^th straight game.

In a win that arguably ended their opponents’ season while also keeping themselves out of the relegation territory, Old Trinity have held off Old Melburnians by four-points at Daley Oval. Two majors each from Harry Tinney, Alex Polidoros, Gabriel Hamilton and Oliver Scott helped Trinity eclipse a half-time deficit and notch win number four on the year. Despite a foul-goal haul from Alex Armstrong, the OM’s season is now teetering on the edge as they fall six-points adrift of fourth.

Breaking their eight-year drought at Harry Trott Oval was University Blues, as they used an electric second half to overwhelm Collegians by 50 points. Dimming the lights on Trent Zimbachs’ 250^th, the Blues collected just their fourth win at Harry Trott Oval in their last 17 outings. Dan Batarilo and Joseph Macula both booted three while Marshall Rippon was named best afield for the Blues. For the defeated Lions, Alex Croft kicked three for his side – who have now fallen out of the top-four.