On top of the socks, ties and breakfasts served up to Xaverian dads this morning, there was the bonus of tickets to two Grand Finals next weekend, as the Premier Reserves and U19 Premier teams steamrolled their way to big victories.

RESSIES DOMINATE DARK BLUES

Old Xaverians defeated Old Melburnians in the Premier Reserves Second Semi-Final at Elsternwick today, seizing the early lead and maintaining a good distance all the way home between OMs and themselves.

The wind was a mere zephyr by Wick standards, and though the Red 'n' Blacks took a little time to move into their work, there was little doubt they seemed set on reversing the result of their Toorak Park clash six weeks ago.

While Milky Forrest opened up with a goal, the X Men had to wait a while for their next. Just into time on, Dan O'Loughlin kicked truly and then Mitch Parker followed suit. At the other end, the tough Xavs' defence kept OMs to 4 behinds.

The Dark Blues looked more efficient in the second stanza, but could only match further Xaverian majors.  Eric Peric jagged his first, Mitch Parker his second, and then Ed Lachal punted through the Red 'n Blacks' sixth with a snap around the corner.

While the lead was just 4 goals even at the long break, it seemed a gargantuan task for the OMs. Even bigger when Peric, Parker, Forrest added to their tallies and Tommy "Never" Beaton kicked his first.

Melburnians outscored the victors in the final term, but Peric and Paddy Phillips kicked goals to assure the faithful that the game, and a spot in the GF, was already secure.

Collegians will battle Old Melburnians to determine which of them will wear the white shorts in 14 days' time.

Old Xaverians      3.2-20    6.4-40    10.6-66     12.7-79

Old Melburnians    0.4-4    2.4-16        2.6-18     6.8-44

Goal Kickers: M. Peric 3, M. Parker 3, J. Forrest 2, D. O'Loughlin, P. Phillips, T. Beaton, E. Lachal

Best Players: J. Tobin, L. Barry, J. Forrest, J. Midgley , M. Parker

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