Xavs on top as Lions claim memorable win

Old Brighton solidified their spot in the top four with a hard-fought three-point win over St Kevin’s OB at TH King Oval. The Tonners made the most of their chances with eight goals to four in the opening half before SKOB, led by Nick Wood, mounted a comeback and brought the margin to 11 points midway through the third. However, in a mature display of football, the Tonners hit back with a settler from Will Lewis and a goal of the year contender from Anthony Zimmerman. Despite not scoring in the final term, it was enough for Brighton to claim the four points and jump back into third spot on the ladder. Dylan Verney was outstanding down back, while Harry Hill, Tom Fisher and Nick Pavlou starred through the middle of the ground. Wood and Matt Presutto were standouts for SKOB, as was Conor Ross and Will Coates in defence.

Old Xaverians jumped into top spot on the William Buck Premier Men’s ladder following their 57-point victory over Caulfield Grammarians at Toorak Park. Xavs, who were facing a Fields side that had won seven consecutive games, dominated from the outset with 19 scoring shots to six in the opening half before coming home with six goals in the final term. Jordan Kelly and Denis Symeopoulos were standouts for Xavs, while Ryan Schoenmakers, Charlie Macisaac and Symeopoulos booted three goals each. No results had been submitted for Caulfield by the time of publication as they fall from third to fourth but remain one game clear of Uni Blues in fifth.

Old Melburnians claimed their most impressive win of the season as they ran out 72-point winners over University Blues at Elsternwick Park. Sitting in sixth spot and needed a win to keep their finals chances alive, OM’s dominated after quarter time with 17 goals to seven. Ned Nichols did his Rising Star chances no harm with a season-high five goals, while Sean Hetherington and Will Nichols continued their outstanding form. It was the Blues third loss from their past four games, but they were well served by Jack Stephens, Alex Fasolo and Ayce Cordy. While the defending champions are still only one game outside the four, they are now more than 25% behind the Fields.

Collegians kept their hopes of avoiding relegation well and truly alive as they defeated Old Scotch by seven points at Harry Trott Oval. After going goalless in the third term and trailing Scotch by 18 points heading into the fourth, the Lions rallied behind David Mirra’s three goals and put together a six-goal term and a memorable victory. Kenny Ong returned to the line-up for the first time this year and provided a much-needed spark while Matt Warren was named best afield. Harry Stubbings and Tom Blenheim continued their impressive recent for Scotch as they remain in eighth spot but just one win above Collegians in ninth.

St Bernard’s won their third game from their past four as they defeated Old Trinity by 50 points at the Daley Oval. The Snow Dogs bounced out of the blocks with five unanswered goals in the first quarter and gradually built on their lead as the match progressed. Bernard’s had six players kick multiples, but it was Luke Holland (3) and Ben Huggard (1) who were named their best. Alex Emery booted four goals for Trinity while Hugo McGlashan found plenty of it.