OM’s capitalise, Lions back in the four

Jake Morris

After dropping out of the William Buck Premier top-four last weekend, Collegians have reclaimed their hold on fourth spot after fending off a gallant St Bernard’s by four-points at the Snake Pit. Taylor Hunt led the visitors with 30 touches while Lachlan Ferguson bobbed up for two pivotal majors in the low scoring affair. Despite the loss that puts a line through the Snow Dogs finals aspirations for 2019, Nathan Kazuro was outstanding in his first game back from a brief stint on the sidelines with 34 touches and seven inside-50’s.

Keeping their slim finals hopes alive in Round 16 was Old Melburnians as they toughed out a 14-point win over St Kevin’s OB at Elsternwick Park. OM’s forward Justin DeSteiger was the match winner with a crucial five goals while Thomas Paule had 24 touches to lead his side. 32 touches from Nicholas Wood and three majors to Philip Edgar wasn’t enough for SKOB who now just sit two points clear of fourth placed Collegians with two weeks to play.

Making way for Collegians inside the four was Old Brighton, who were downed by University Blues by eight-points in a thrilling clash at Uni Oval. Ross Young and Marshall Rippon each had 29 touches while Ayce Cordy dominated in the ruck with 61 hit-outs for the Blues, who remain in top-spot with the win. Losing no fans from their fantastic performance against the ladder leaders, the Tonners were led once again by Nick Pavlou with 29 disposals and Harry Hill with 26.

Continuing their late season push to lift out of the bottom two was De La Salle, as they ran past Old Carey by 21 points at the Carey Sports Complex. Callan Wellings had himself a day out with 39 disposals and two majors to help lift De La to level footing with Trinity, now just trailing on percentage. Four goals for Daniel Clarke, three to Guy Dickson and 30 disposals for Marc Lock wasn’t enough for the Panthers who once again come up agonisingly short in their pursuit of a drought breaking victory.

Putting any talk of slumping form to bed was Old Xaverians as they pummelled Old Trinity by 108 points at Toorak Park. Six goals to Matt Handley, 37 disposals for Chris Margin and 30 to Marcus Stavrou helped give Xavs a percentage boosting victory to keep themselves well in the hunt for the minor premiership. Harry Tinney had 24 touches for Trinity, who were thoroughly outclassed by their opponents and now fall dangerous close to the relegation zone – ahead of De La by just percentage.