RALPH'S NEW ROLE
O'Shaughnessy is Xavs' Footy GM
Given the mud covering most of the centre square, and the flat mat of dying summer grass surrounding it, there was little chance of either team displaying too much polish on this cool winter's day. Nonetheless, the fans returned to Toorak Park and witnessed a struggle between two determined outfits, the difference between them on the scoreboard decided by two short bursts of scoring from the Red 'n' Blacks.
Bernies booted the first two of the game, but Xavs rolled in for three to take a narrow lead to the first change. They never surrendered it. St Bernard's were undaunted in their efforts, and kept it close in the second term, but coach Byrne made some half-time moves that propelled the home team into a superb third stanza.
Schoenmakers behind the ball proved a rebounding asset, while MacIsaac up forward took a couple of very strong pack marks that had the home fans drooling. But the term belonged to Marcus Stavrou, who bobbed up here, there and everywhere, making tackles, winning possessions at will. His battery mate Hayden Troiani was similarly damaging. The erstwhile nippy small forward has become another general in the midfield and his speed alone is capable of causing significant damage.
By the time they went to the lemons, Xavs had the points locked away. Bernies refused to give in and on the scoreboard at least, won the final term. Despite the conditions, Jason Holmes again proved a winner in the ruck, while Chris Margin and Fraser Pearce were the most noticeable in a tight, cohesive back six. It wasn't a day for forwards, but Julian Soccio looked to running on top of the grass and looked very sharp. First-gamer Harrison Bell was in everything early and looks to offer plenty. The more seasoned debutant Tommy Amad didn't disappoint either, proving constructive in several key passages.
With the win, the X-Men remained in second spot. Next week, a trip to the Trott and then a two-week break before the Red 'n Blacks are back at Toorak Park to face league leader St Kevin's.
Goal Kickers: C. MacIsaac 2, J. Soccio 2, M. Stavrou, J. Hewitt, D. Robinson, S. Ralph, H. Bell
Best Players: H. Troiani, M. Stavrou, F. Pearce, J. Soccio, C. Margin, J. Holmes
Tom Gilbert made a welcome return to football, booting four goals on his trusty left, but it was the ever-consistent Tom Hart who won BOG honours in the Old Xavs comfortable win over St Bernard's at Toorak Park. Another Tom, Simmons, booted two in an excellent performance. Tommy Anderson also returned and booted a goal in the victory.
Chachi's Charges remain in second spot and face bottom-ranked collegians before the break. When they come back, there will be be likely a chance to take over first when they meet St Kevin's.
Goal Kickers: T. Gilbert 4, T. Simmons 2, C. Holmes 2, L. Soccio 2, M. Handley, A. Spralja, T. Anderson
Best Players: T. Hart, T. Gilbert, C. Holmes, L. Bisset, T. Simmons, O. Silk