SKOB coast to a Grand Final berth

Bailey Berry

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers def by Caulfield Grammarians by 41 points

A fiery affair at Brindisi Street on Saturday saw SBMT’s season come to an end in a premature and sour fashion. After a strong first half they succumbed to Caulfield’s unrelenting pressure and were defeated by 41 points. Caulfield’s spectacular late season run continues as they soar into a preliminary final against Old Xaverians. Their depth of talent is clicking across every line, primed for a hopeful Grand Final appearance.

St Bedes/Mentone have intimidated opposition sides all year with their aggression, skill and goal kicking but just couldn’t quite get over the line on this occasion. Though Evan Ryder and Tighe Chandler should be commended for their efforts as coaches and recruiters this season. They were tasked with the daunting challenge of rising from Division 1 to Premier with a young and raw list and have irrefutably exceeded external and internal expectations. Numerous U17s from SBMT’s junior program have been given the opportunity to shine at U19 Premier level including Flynn Groves, Adrian Cole, and Sam Buck. A high flying forward line consisting of Jake Harding, Luke Dunn and U19 Premier leading goal kicker Jack Behnk served as a nightmare for opposition backlines all season. The Tigers will be disappointed at the missed opportunity of going ‘back-to-back’, but this season remains full of positives for the Mentone side.

Jack Behnk finished the year in style with 4 majors and aerial dominance across the ground. Max Sullivan, Jake Harding, Jake Ryder, Jack Turner, Finn Chandler & Jay Bolton were judged best afield for the losing side.

The CGs deservingly face the Xavs in a preliminary final this Saturday afternoon. A fantastic season, culminating in a classy late season surge has them primed for a grand final berth in 2023. Their depth of talent has really begun to shine at this critical junction of the season. Archie Loughnan continued his dazzling individual form slotting 5 against SBMT last weekend. Loughnan is assisted down forward by big Tommy Warner and Dylan Ting, who have been consistent performers this year in their own right. Caulfield is considered the dark horse of U19 Premier and is more than capable of a premiership victory.

The Grammarians booted 12 goals in the second half, making SBMT’s defence look helpless. Archie Loughnan, Zac Fraser, Oliver Ruddock, Noah Sutherland, Tommy Warner & Max Olynyk were all superb in their first final.

St Kevin’s def. Old Xaverians by 30 points

A satisfying victory for St Kevin’s at T H King oval last Saturday. SKOB asserted themselves and proved why they are the top tier of U19 Premier. The Xavs have a second chance but face an inform Caulfield this Saturday. It’s do or die for the red and black mafia this weekend.

St Kevin’s talent across the ground is nothing short of remarkable. After finishing 7^th last year, there was great emphasis placed upon training standards and discipline heading into the 2023 preseason. A talented core has enforced these standards and it has evidently paid dividends. Mass recruiting has also played a role in SKOB’s epic rise this year. Zane Greenham kicked 3 in his 5^th match for the season in an impressive display. Will Pfeiffer, Liam Gunson, Jack Palmer, Aidan Leiner, Flynn Clark & Jack Romanin were the clear best afield for St Kevin’s.

A disappointing loss for Xavs as they head into a second-chance preliminary final this week. Some lapses in form have been evident over the past two months. They desperately want to go back-to-back this season but face two hurdles across the next fortnight. They have the personnel, now its just a matter of making it click when it counts. Ben Moyle, Sam Noonan, Hugo Wyman, Hamish MacIsaac & Thomas Bourne did all they could to try drag their side across the line.

SKOB will enjoy a weekend off this week as they begin to prepare for the ‘big dance’. The Xavs will face the in-form Caulfield Grammarians.