Come-from-behind victories the order of the day

An enthralling second round of footy in William Buck Premier saw the lead chop and change throughout most contests on a perfect afternoon for footy.

Collegians went into the contest against Old Scotch knowing it wasn’t going to be a walkover. The Cardinals, coming off a round one victory were hellbent on making in two in a row during the clubs annual Anzac weekend match up.

Losing Daniel Orgill and Ben Woodful to the VFL before the bounce, the Lions started the better on the scoreboard but were held to just two goals during the second and third quarters as the Cardinals kicked six of their own to open up a 10 point lead at the final change.

Alex Lukic proved to be the difference with three second half goals against his former side as Collegians produced yet another win for the ages. Gentleman Jim Bazzani, put his name in lights with the matchwinner inside the final two minutes of the contest. Viv Michie was named the Lions best player as the club retains the McNeill Cup.

Old Scotch will be ruing missed opportunities in front of goal in the final quarter with 2.6. Tyler Sellers kicked three majors, supported by Jack McCorkell and James Tarrant (2 goals). The Cardinals will have seven days to regroup as they welcome University Blues to Camberwell Sports Ground. Collegians head to Harry Trott Oval for the first time this year and will face Old Brighton.

University Blues played a four quarter contested scrap against arch-rivals University Blacks in the RSN Xtra Match of the Day. Trailing at every change, Blues held Blacks scoreless in the final quarter to go from four points down, to 12 points ahead when the final siren sounded.

A woeful day in front of goal from both sides saw power forward Sam Grimley (2.4) again feel disappointed in the missed opportunities he had. It’s no surprise to see defenders Marty Gleeson and Jack Stephens named amongst the best for Blues. Campbell Moorfield and Joel Ernest for Blacks. The defenders stood strong as both sides left plenty to be desired in front of goal.

Ayui Makieng (2 goals) proved he could fly and jump at the footy, he’ll be a handful for opposition sides coming up against Blacks, while James Patterson had a day of half-chances for Uni Blues, and is every chance of challenger the competitions best high-flyers for a mark of the year contender.

Next weekend pins Uni Blacks against Old Haileybury, the Premier B Grand Final rematch to mark the clubs third straight game at the Uni Main to open the season. Uni Blues head out to The Cave, keen on avenging the back-to-back losses they suffered against Old Scotch in 2022.

For the second week in a row Old Xaverians went into half-time at Xavier College trailing their opponent. Last week it was Collegians, this week, Old Melburnians. A third quarter grind saw them whittle the 19 point deficit inside a kick when the three quarter time siren sounded.

Finishing the better, they overran the OM’s with a 7-goal final quarter blitz. The navy blue could only muster six behinds. Dan Robinson, a welcome inclusion ran riot through the midfield. Charlie MacIsaac kicked four, while Billy Gowers finished with three. James Byrne showed faith in the youngsters who played in the season opener, entrusting them to get the job done this weekend – Harrison Bell, Darcy Feutrill, Tom Dunne and Tom McRae. Hayden Troiani celebrated his milestone game with a victory.

Byrnes added two more to the line-up, Oscar Duncan and Bobby Knott. Welcomed into the side in front of an enormous crowd at Xavier College who enjoyed more pleasant conditions than seven days ago.

OM’s have now slipped to 0-2 to start the year, familiar names hitting the scoreboard, and named amongst the best. There’s been wholesale changes at the club over the off-season. They’ve got footy’s biggest challenge next Saturday at Elsternwick Park, St Kevin’s. The reigning premiers who proved they’ve got gears. Old Xaverians are on the road and heading to Glen Huntly Oval.

What we all thought was a foregone conclusion at T H King Oval was anything but as St Kevin’s were made to work overtime to ensure victory over Caulfield Grammarians. Unfurling the premiership flag on a big day for the club. You could be forgiven for assuming SKOB had their minds elsewhere throughout the afternoon.

As Anthony ‘Plugger’ Lynch told For the Love of the Game Podcast in the lead up, the competition is so even, it was proven to be the case as the Fields stuck with the reining premiers for much of the afternoon. The weight of numbers proved too strong in the end as SKOB went to another level in the final quarter to come off the ground 38 point winners. Paddy Kerr and Mitch Wallis amongst the sharpshooters (3 goals). Sam Cameron, named best on ground.

Hugh Sandilands kicked three for Caulfield and was named the clubs best on the day.

Old Brighton have started life under Dan Donati in the best possible fashion. Two wins from two starts. Last week was a hard fought win over Uni Blacks, this time around, at Brighton Beach Oval it was Old Haileybury the latest side to feel the Tonners wrath.

Fraser Gregson followed through on his strong pre-season and opening round form through the midfield and forward line. Campbell Tweedie played an important role on key forwards of Haileybury. Hamish Dick and Cam Hathway were strong in forward line and young Ben Fisher in his first game held his own down back.

Much like OM’s, regular mainstays of the Old Haileybury line-up were part of the best players, captain James Munro led the way. Lachie Treverton, the Seccull boys, Will Paul and Corey Rich. Next weekend Daniel Ward’s men will fancy themselves as they come up against Premier B rivals, University Blacks.

Photo: Bruce Tobin, Collegians FC