Old Brighton turned on the after-burners at quarter time and raced away from Old Xaverians in the knockout semi-final at Trevor Barker Oval.

The Tonners, beaten comfortably by the Red 'n' Blacks just weeks ago, stunned the Xavs with their speed and run. The Claret and Stout, in their best form of the year and the best in the Premier section, spluttered, slowed down and fell off the cliff.

Xavs lost the game by 57 points and exited the finals with a massive thud, as they had in their previous final in 2019, when SKOB beat them by 64 points.

Joey Ayton-Delaney was adjudged best, but there was no post-match celebration after such an out-of-character and disappointing performance by the firm favourites.

The off-season - and the post-mortems - have commenced.

Congratulations to Old Brighton, who thoroughly earned their place in the prelim final against Collegians, with the prize being a spot in the decider with St Kevin's.

Goal Kickers: X. Richards, C. Lane, C. MacIsaac, H. Troiani, B. Bilston-McGillen, C. Whitehead

Best Players: J. Ayton-Delaney, R. Schoenmakers, D. Robinson, M. Stavrou, C. Lane, C. Whitehead