St Kevin’s claim minor premiership as SBMT win spoonbowl epic

While the top four sides were set for finals leading into Holmesglen Under 19 Premier, no side coasted through the last week of the home and away season, whether their spot in September was booked or not.

In a clash that would determine the wooden spooner, St Bedes/Mentone Tigers faced Caulfield Grammarians in a tight contest.

While both sides are set to be relegated next season, the pair had everything to play for to avoid the unwanted claim.

The Tigers established a strong buffer early, kicking five goals to one in the first term to lead by 25 at quarter time, but the Fields made their reply in the second, kicking 4.6 to 1.1 to close the margin in to two points at the main break.

Kicking at the scoring end again, SBMT pulled away as Caulfield played out the quarter scoreless, but with the breeze in its favour in the last term, the Fields remained hopeful of a final quarter comeback, down 23 at the last change.

But goalkicking woes would let the club down, and despite scoring eight times to two, the Fields could only convert one score into a goal as they fell short by 12 points, 6.14 (50) to 9.8 (62).

It sees Caulfield take home the wooden spoon despite recording huge upset wins during the home and away season, illustrating the evenness of the competition this year.

Old Scotch has claimed third spot on the ladder after a tense four-point win over Old Xaverians.

A low scoring first quarter saw the Cardinals narrowly claim the lead, but an inaccurate second term from the Xavs allowed Scotch to enter half time with an 11-point buffer.

They would be missed opportunities Xavs would come to rue too, as another one-goal term to the red and black saw the Cardinal extend to a 17-point three-quarter-time advantage.

However, Old Xaverians would roar home to put Scotch’s heart in its mouth, providing a thrilling final match to prepare it for its finals campaign.

Four goals to two in the final term saw Xavs come within a kick, but Old Scotch had done enough to hold on, 8.9 (57) to 7.11 (53).

Old Brighton is entering finals in red hot form after holding top four rival University Blues to just one goal in the match’s entirety.

The Tonners’ defence allowed just five scoring shots across the four quarters in its stingiest outing all season – and what a time to do it.

Coming off the back of a couple of losses in recent weeks and shaky form, the ruthless victory on Saturday primes Old Brighton for finals with tons of belief.

It was not a bizarre low-scoring affair either – Old Brighton kicked multiple goals in every quarter to defeat the Blues 10.6 (66) to 1.4 (10).

The loss is a wakeup call to the Blues who came off a thrilling seven-point win over minor premiers St Kevin’s, and will now have to run the gauntlet through finals if they are to claim an elusive flag from fourth.

St Kevin’s has claimed the minor premiership after a strong win over De La Salle to close out the 2025 home and away season.

The game was over by half time after the ladder leaders shot out to a seven-goal advantage, holding De La to just seven points in the opening two quarters.

De La would match SKOBS in the next portion of the match, but the damage had already been done, as St Kevin’s ran out 12.10 (82) to 4.6 (30) winners.

St Kevin’s coach Paul Greenham was rapt with his players’ efforts in trying conditions at TH King Oval.

“The conditions didn’t suit either side, so to jump out to a 22-point quarter time lead was pretty handy given we were kicking against the breeze in the first term,” Greenham said.

“Clearly I was pleased we kept De La to two scoring shots in the first half.

“Our hardness and grunt in the slippery conditions was what pleased me most.

“It was a good solid finals-like hit out that we needed.”

Lucas May’s two goals saw the St Kevin’s young gun claim the league’s goalkicking award by a margin of 18, punting 52 across the season.

But now, September awaits.

St Kevin’s and Old Brighton, the two strongest teams all year, will play off in a double chance qualifying final, with the winner to book its spot in the big dance.

Just margins of six and 10 have separated the clubs in their meetings this year, presenting a tantalising watch.

The Uni Blues will play Old Scotch in a cutthroat elimination final, as both sides are required to go through September unscathed if they are to win the premiership.

Once again, the pair have had clashes determined by less than two goals in their previous fixtures this season, indicating supporters could be in for an all-time classic weekend of Holmesglen Under 19 Premier Men’s football.

The winner will play the loser of St Kevin’s’ and Old Brighton’s qualifying final.