Monkey off the back, Blues through to grand final

Nick Armistead

University Blues ended a five-game losing streak in William Buck Premier finals and will play off for this year’s premiership after defeating Old Xaverians by nine points in a thriller at Elsternwick Park.

Despite squandering opportunities early, the Blues held an eight-point lead at the first break before Xavs hit back with three goals to one in the second term. The two sides could rarely be split during the second half before three consecutive goals to Josh Green, Clayton Hinkley and Tom Batarilo put the result beyond doubt late in the fourth.

Kieran Harper caught fire and proved the match winner for Blues with three of his four goals coming in the third term while Ayce Cordy relished the fact Jason Holmes was out for Xavs with 70 hit outs and nine clearances.

Marcus Stavrou had a game-high 27 disposals and seven inside 50’s for Xavs and Chris Margin improved as the game progressed with 25.

The Blues will now take a week off while Xavs face off against the winner of tomorrow’s blockbuster elimination final between Collegians and SKOB.

You can tune into tomorrow’s game from 1pm on RSN Carnival for the VAFA pre-game show before the match at 2:30pm.