Traditional rival Collegians ventured to Toorak Park today but left empty-handed afyer Xavs won big in both games.

SENIORS

The Lions have endured a tough start to 2021, but given their near miss against the reigning premier last week, winning this was not a task taken lightly by the Red 'n' Blacks, who themselves have hit speed-bumps in the past fortnight.

Ryan Schoenmakers returned and Xavier Richards made his season debut. Both were employed in the forward half, as was their other high-marking option Valles. It took ten minutes for the first goal to come, but after a quarter into the breeze, Xavs had bolted to a 26 point lead.

Their second term was not as productive, but they did increase their lead. The third stanza was a clear win to the X-Men, though the finishing was again poor, and the lead just 36 points as they went to the lemons. Xavs added 4.6 to 1.1 in the final term in a sound display that might have resulted in more goals and a greater winning margin.

After two close losses, fans of the Red 'n' Blacks will be happy enough with the points, and the good form of the forward set-up, which today was another combination entirely from that already employed this season by Coach Byrne. The talls did their job, while Hewitt, Batten and Symeopoulos were ever dangerous. The defense, with Kelly and Banting returning, looked strong enough, but the Lakers never appeared to be on the verge of explosion.

Next week, a trip to Brighton Beach Oval to meet the Tonners, surely one of the big contenders for the title this year. Xavs record at South Road is not enviable, but this is a different Xavs team, and may be stronger still next week with some first choice players slated to return.

Goal Kickers: R. Schoenmakers 4, X. Richards 2, M. Batten 2, J. Hewitt, C. Margin, W. Hams, D. Symeopoulos, H. Cullity
Best Players: R. Schoenmakers, D. Robinson, G. Valles, H. Cullity, M. Stavrou, J. Hewitt

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RESERVES

Landrigan's Lineup took the points over the Lions at Toorak Park, winning by eleven goals. There seemed little danger that the Red 'n' Blacks would cough up the points here, as the team was as strong as it has been all season.

Charlie MacIsaac, returning from the seniors, was best afield, and the big veteran Matt Handley kicked four goals, which was a little more than the Purples managed for the day. Tommy Amad continued in fine fettle. The chunky left-footer is enjoying perhaps his best-ever season. Will Golds impressed again, while Charlie Woodley and Lucas Soccio contributed plenty too.

Next week's assignment at Old Brighton will be tougher.

Goal Kickers: M. Handley 4, C. MacIsaac 2, T. Simmons 2, C. Whitehead, T. Amad, W. Golds, T. Hart, L. Soccio
Best Players: C. MacIsaac, T. Amad, M. Handley, C. Woodley, L. Soccio, W. Golds