Old Brighton make moves early in Premier Under 19’s

After facing a tough Old Brighton outfit to open their 2024 campaign, St Bedes/Mentone Tigers bounced back in Round 2, defeating Williamstown CYMS by a thumping 59 points. In the first game of the year under lights, St Bedes felt right at home at Mentone Reserve and were the dominant side all night.

Ben Hempel and Oliver Moodie both bagged 3 majors for St Bedes, whilst Oskar Ainsworth was the leading goal kicker for his side, also finishing with 3 goals. The CY’s will be looking to find their 2023 form to elevate themselves on a competitive ladder. However, they have no tougher challenge than taking on the reigning premiers in Old Xaverians this coming weekend.

Just a hop, skip and jump away, Beaumaris hosted Caulfield Grammarians at Banksia Reserve. New to the Holmesglen Under 19 Premier action, the Sharks were no match for the experience of the Fields who came away the 21-point victors. The pressure of the Sharks is not to be discounted, as they went toe-to-toe with scores level at the main break; 37 apiece.

Callum Hankin starred in the forward line for Caulfield, finishing the day with 3 goals, while Jhett Haeta and Angus Bowd (2) were named in the best for Beaumaris. The Sharks will have their chance to get back on the winners list, travelling up the bay to Brighton Beach in Round 3.

Speaking of Old Brighton, the current ladder leaders are making their mark early on to prove they are a force to be reckoned with in 2024. Their two wins to date have come from defeating top four sides from last season, with their most recent victory on the weekend against St Kevin’s OB by a convincing 44 points.

The Tonners had scoring shots aplenty, with room to improve on their accuracy; and the benefit of bolstering their percentage even further. Jonah Campigli was their lead scorer for the day with 3 goals. SKOB were evenly matched in the contest early in the match before Old Brighton began to dominate on the scoreboard.

Expect to see St Kevin’s fight back in Round 3 after a loss, as they face a familiar Caulfield Grammarians side.

Old Xaverians hosted the University Blues on the weekend with the delight of the afternoon sun. In prime conditions this was sure to be a good contest, with the two sides each getting a win over the other last season. Xavs and Uni Blues both had several goal scorers, with the ball being shared around.

By three quarter time, Xavs held a 45-point lead, however the resilience of a formidable Uni Blues outfit showed as they dug deep in the fourth to draw the margin back to 20 points at full time. Aware of the importance of percentage in a competitive division, the Blues should be proud of their comeback. Eddie Paul kicked 3 majors for the Old Xavs, while the likes of Carl Ziebarth and Henry Wicks were best on for the Uni Blues.

Old Scotch and De La Salle are no strangers to each other in the Under 19’s competition, having faced off in some close contests in 2023. However, it was Old Scotch who controlled this Round 2 match up, walking away victorious 109-12.

Louis Corless finished the day with an impressive 4 goals, and Will Hucker was best afield for Old Scotch. At the other end Ethan MacBeth was responsible for the sole goal scored for De La, with Max Miller the best player in just his second game.

Looking ahead to Round 3 of the Holmesglen Under 19’s Premier Competition, Old Brighton will host Beaumaris, while St Bedes/Mentone will travel to Camberwell to face Old Scotch.

The Old Xaverians will play at home once again at Toorak Park against Williamstown CYMS, with both sides looking to secure their second win of the season.

This weekend will ensure a first win for either De La Salle or the University Blues, as both are searching for their first 4 points to lift themselves off the bottom of the ladder. Could this be the week De La achieve victory or will Uni Blues find their winning form of last season?

Rounding out the weekend, Caulfield Grammarians will host St Kevin’s OB on Sunday afternoon at Glen Huntly Park.