De La Salle continue late-season charge as Old Scotch leap into top spot

Round 13 in Holmesglen Under 19 Premier Men’s competition was as much shocking as it was invigorating.

There was a mixture of upsets and triumphs, as ladder positions become all the more important with just five weeks of the home and away season to go.

Opening the weekend was a spectacular upset, the red-hot De La Salle trumping ladder leaders Old Brighton.

A goalless opening quarter, De La Salle proved to be stronger throughout the duration of the contest, running away as 21-point winners.

Team defence was the staple in the win for De La, keeping Old Brighton goalless through the opening three quarters, and limited the talented Tonners side to just two goals come the final siren.

In what was really tough wet and windy conditions at Brighton Beach Oval, De La’s captain Max Miller lead from the front with two of the five goals kicked for the victors.

Ethan MacBeth was also strong in the victory, whilst Conor Omeara and Sam Cross too had impressive outings.

With the shock loss, Old Brighton relinquish top spot on the ladder, a position they have held throughout the entirety of the season. They now sit second on percentage.

While a tough day for all Tonners, Maxwell Langworthy, Jules Lohan and Oscar Newstead shone in the loss.

Later in the day, Uni Blues outlasted Beaumaris to win by 47 points.

Trailing at quarter time and potentially with a second upset of the round brewing, the Blue boys rallied, and dominated after the first change to claim victory.

Johnny Pring proved to be the difference , whilst Max Diffey, Oliver Scalzo and Oliver Williams were also named amongst the best.

Luca Di Lallo and Edmund Wallis capitalised on their chances going forward with two goals each.

As for Beaumaris, two majors for Will Pearson wasn’t enough to register their third win of the season.

The Sharks, now sitting on the bottom of the ladder, will look to pick up some victories in the back end of the season.

A 2pm contest at Basil Reserve would deliver one of the more lopsided score lines of 2024, with Old Xaverians crushing Caulfield Grammarians to win by 152 points.

What could be described as a genuine goal-fest, the Xavier forward unit relishing a mass of opportunity in front of goal.

Vice-captain Tom Scalzo kicked five majors, whilst Charlie Christopher finished the afternoon with six of his own.

The pair were among six multiple goal scorers and an additional five players kicked one for the day.

For Caulfield it was a game to forget. Kade Watkins showed some promise in the belting with two of the three goals for the Fields.

The win gives the Xavs an almighty percentage boost and came crucial in the race for the finals. They now sit just 20 percent behind St Kevins in fourth.

In other games, Old Scotch claimed the four points over St Bedes/Mentone Tigers, to capture first position on the ladder.

Trailing for a majority of the day, it was the usual suspects for Scotch who pushed them over the line.

Aiden Brien, Henry Long, Sammy Vidor and Charlie Hume were vital in the come from behind win.

Trailing narrowly at three quarter-time it was a gelled and complete team effort that resulted in a three-goal to one final term and the victory for Old Scotch.

For the Tigers, they remain in the finals race sitting one game and some considerable percentage out of fourth place.

Unfortunately for them, they were imply outplayed in the dying moments, but the side will take great pleasure in matching it with the league’s best.

Lukas Ritter, Liam Napier, Flynn Groves and Finn Chandler were strong in the loss.

The final game of the round would see St Kevin’s power past Williamstown CYMS to win by 44 points.

From the opening bounce this did seem as though it would be St Kevin’s day.

The visitors extended their lead at every interval, and ultimately claimed the four points on a tough day weather wise.

Major goal contributions from Nic Dynan and Zane Greenham who combined for five goals, solidified the four points for the Skobbers.

Looking onwards to next week, an exciting match looms, with Old Brighton looking to get back on the winners list against  Beaumaris. The contest will be played under lights on Friday evening.

Old Xavierans will look to consolidate their form against De La Selle, whilst a top of the table clash will take place at TH king oval between Old Scotch and St Kevins.

Williamstown CYMS will take on Uni Blues and Caulfield will play against St Bedes/Mentone.