St Kevins book a date with destiny

The second semi-final has gone the way of St Kevins.

For the fourth consecutive season, they will compete in the William Buck Premier Grand Final after walking off Elsternwick Park winners against Collegians by 17 points.

#1 for defence all year long, SKOB were able to hold the purple army to 52 points for the day. Right on the average they’ve kept opposition sides to all year long. Kicking with the aid of the breeze in the opening quarter, the minor premiers were quick out of the blocks to kick the opening three goals of the match going into quarter time with a 20 point advantage.

The second term belonged to Collegians, as they turned the tables on their arch-rivals. Holding them to one goal, while kicking six goals of their own. Ed Greene kicked two goals, and, with Luke McCleary hitting the scoreboard right on half time, the vibrancy and enthusiasm was there. It was the one quarter the Lions can hang their hats on, as the rest of the day belonged to St Kevins.

In his 150th game, Shaun Kennedy started the fire in the third term and snuffed out the momentum of Collegians. Late in the term Sam Critchley brought down a big pack mark and nailed the goal. A 15 point half time deficit turned back in favour of St Kevins going into the final change with a 12 point advantage.

It was a final quarter of attrition as Collegians became the walking wounded with significant injuries to Luke McCleary (knee), Kenny Ong (calf), Sam Sofrinidis (ankle) hobbled from the ground but fought on.

The three pillars of the St Kevins forward line were too strong for the Collegians defence. While the St Kevins defenders emulated the T H King full ground press to perfection. In Anthony Lynch’s first season in charge, he has got them back to the place they feel most comfortable – Grand Final Day. They’re getting very used to this feeling. 2017, 2018, 2019 and now 2022. A dynasty is on the cards. A fortnight to think about it.

Collegians, will lick their wounds today, and hope to watch Old Xaverians and Old Brighton in an old-fashioned scrappy hard fought contest. They live to fight another day and will play the winner of today. Seven days to get back that winning feeling.

Photo: Bruce Tobin, Collegians FC