Two Grand Finals at Elsternwick Park delivered different fortunes for the Old Xaverians yesterday.

With the wind blowing hard, there was plenty of onfield chaos to interfere with polished skills, but nonetheless, players coped to deliver two epic encounters, but the Red 'n' Blacks won the early one and fell agonisingly short in the latter.

CROCS

The Diles sought and won their 22nd title with a 23 point win over Old Trinity, who boasted many fine former senior players. Twenty-three shots to ten told the story of the day.

The Ts had won the second semi-final, but this day, when it all went on the line again, the Lime Hose kicked away in the third term to lead by 26 points at the lemons. Despite adding just three minor scores in the last, the Reptiles held their opponents to just a goal and took the flag.

It was a superb end to a fine season from the 'Diles.  

More Crocs pics here

MENAGES

In a tough encounter, the Menages could not sustain their three quarter time lead, as the Dark Blues raced home with four goals to build a ten point lead late in the last. Xavs responded with an in-to-the-wind major to pull them close. With a minute left and less than a goal in it, Seb Knox was knocked out and the game, so finely balanced, was halted for some time as the ambulance was summoned.

On resumption, the Xavs couldn't manage the goal they desperately needed.

A bright start to the third term had the Menages on the upper trajectory. Three goals in as many minutes looked promising, but OMs, a traditional rival who had lost to the x-Men in the second semi, shut down the opportunities for an increased lead, and set themselves up for a final term burst that the Menages just could not weather.

It was a cruel end to a super season from the Menages, but they showed grit and class to the last. There's always next year!

Late News: Seb Knox is fine. No stitches and no concussion.

Pics here