SENIORS

Old Xaverians comfortably defeated Old Scotch at Camberwell yesterday, despite greasy conditions that ensured the game rarely rose above the category of a grind.

The Caledonians struck first, but once the visitors hit the go button, the early traffic was mostly one way, with Xavs booting six of the next seven goals to run out to a 28 point lead early in the second stanza. Scotch hit back with two majors, but the X-Men responded with four of the next five to take a 33 point surplus to the sheds at half-time.

With the crowd virtually non-existent due to government restrictions, the atmosphere at the old bandbox was subdued. The few witnessed the home team come back hard in the third. The Red 'n' Blacks were struggling with a reduced bench due to niggles and strains, and Scotch reined in their deficit to just 19 points. Again the Claret and Stout responded, booting the last two of the third term and adding another four in the final term despite being finishing the game with less than a full complement.

It was a day for the mosquito fleet. Jack Hewitt led the way with five goals and was in everything. Hayden Troiani appeared untroubled by the mud and hit top gear on many occasions. Cauley Beetham, muddy as usual, won plenty of the ball. Julian Soccio was the best of the tall forwards, while most Scotch forays were repelled by Ben Banting, Jack Whitehead and Jordy Kelly.

Fans unable to visit the ground were treated to a live telecast via Cluch TV, a nice initiative from the Old Scotch club. Those viewers hoping for another sterling home victory, a repeat of their win over Uni Blues, would have been disappointed at the result. Fans of the Xavs would have been encouraged by the eleven goalkickers and a breakthrough game for the team's smallest player.

The Xavs return to Toorak Park this week, to meet St Bernard's, who beat Collegians at the Snakepit yesterday. The following Saturday has the Red 'n' Blacks off to the Trott to meet those Lions before the VAFA double-bye shuts down the competition again.

It's a crazy season, but these are crazy times.

Goal Kickers: J. Hewitt 5, X. Richards 2, J. Soccio 2, R. Schoenmakers, R. Bewick, H. Troiani, G. Valles, M. Batten, M. Stavrou, F. Pearce, H. Cullity
Best Players: J. Hewitt, H. Troiani, J. Soccio, D. Symeopoulos, C. Beetham, B. Banting

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RESERVES

Conditions did not deter Chachi's Charges from picking up another four premiership points on their trip to Camberwell. The Red 'n' Blacks posted an early lead and were never really threatened en route to a 34 point win. Matthew Handley booted four and toiled with great success in the ruck, while James Langford was never far from the action. Matt Merlo and Will Golds proved other safe avenues to goals, while James Dalbosco and Campbell Lane showed plenty on a day where skills ran second to endeavour.

The victory saw the Red 'n' Blacks maintain top spot on percentage. OMs defeated St Kevin's in a low scoring affair and are in second place.

Goal Kickers: M. Handley 4, M. Merlo 2, W. Golds 2, T. Simmons, M. Parker, J. Langford, C. Lane
Best Players: M. Handley, J. Langford, J. Dalbosco, C. Lane, M. Parker, M. Merlo