November 27, 2024
VALE, PORKY
Farewell to a giant
A Century of the Red & Black
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In what will be remembered forever as the Father's Day Fiesta of Flags, Old Xaverians owned Bill Lawry Oval yesterday, with its U23s, Menages and Crocodiles all winning premierships.
The three titles brought the club's tally to 86 in the 93 full seasons played since it commenced competition in 1923.
With two U19 teams still alive, as well as the top-rated Reserves, there are three further chances to increase the season's haul of silverware.
The action began yesterday with the Crocodiles, whose rare losses these past few years have usually come in the early contests, particularly on Sundays.
This day, however, the Reptiles eastablished some early momentum and while it never landed the perfect harpoon on the Sharks, they kept their snouts in front at every change and when threatened late, sealed the deal with a minimum of fuss.
Anthony Taouk was named best, while Josh Lyon booted three for the 'Diles.
It was the first back-to-back flag for the Reps since they completed their three on end in 2014.
Goal Kickers: J. Lyon 3, M. Perrett 2, T. O''Brien 2, J. Lucchesi, S. Murray, H. Vanderkley
Best Players: A. Taouk, A. Eden-Lachowicz, S. Murray, J. Lyon, T. Lyon, C. Todaro
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The U23s completed a sensational year with another flag with a gritty win over the favoured Old Scotch at Bill Lawry.
The young Rossoneri faced a Cardinal lineup that had done the business almost every week when near full-strength. Xavs edged ahead by inches as the game progressed, but the Caledonians hit back in the last. Or tried to. The Red 'n' Blacks added 3.2 in the last while the Red Men squandered their opportunities to register 1.6 for the term.
Sam Asdagi was recognised as best afield in a strong team performance.
After last season, the VAFA abandoned the U23 competition and the Xavs' brass decided that the U23 team should play in the Premier Thirds, which had previously been the domain of more experienced teams. This flag proves that decision to be on the money, but this result might not have happened had the X-Men not established a second U23 team midway through last season.
Goal Kickers: C. O'Brien 2, D. Fitzgerald 2, T. Amalfi , L. Danielis-Morley, S. Asdagi, Z. Connor, D. Condon
Best Players: S. Asdagi, N. Brown, Z. Connor, T. Paul, D. Fitzgerald, H. Hosking
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The Menages beat St Bernard's comfortably to secure their seventh title and their first since 2019.
After establishing an early lead, the Xavs held Bernies to 0.2 in the third term, and while they were pretty much even-stevens in the last, it was too late for a Snow Dog rescue.
Will Honan was best afield and thoroughly deserved the award.
