Caulfield Grammarians came to the Chapel Oval today and left with all eight points points on offer. The WOX, both Brownies and Frantastics before them, had their chance to win, but the Fields showed  little more poise when it counted.

Team Manager Extraordinaire Jacs Shields reports:

FRANTASTICS

FIELDS FLOURISH AFTER FAST START

Fired up on the back of a sensational win the previous week against Old Geelong, the Frantastics took the field against Caulfield Grammarians ready for a repeat performance. The opposition had other plans and blitzed the first quarter with two quick goals to take a comfortable lead at the first siren.

The Caulfield onslaught continued in the opening stages pf the second quarter with another goal and the Xavs needing to regroup and refocus going into the half-time break. And regroup they did with two much-needed goals due to more hands on the ball and greater consistency seeing them nipping at the heels of the visitors.

One goal the difference into the last quarter and the play was down in the Old Xavs’ forward line regularly, which augured well. But as the sun burst through, so too did the Fields with another impressive goal to take the win.

Old Xaverians                  0.1-1 0.1-1 2.4-16 2.4-16

Caulfield Grammarians 2.2-14 3.3-21 3.5-23 4.9-33

Goal Kickers: I. Villani, R. Percy
Best Players: R. Percy, T. Mant, A. Ryan, G. Cleaver, H. Ryan, M. Casey

BROWNIES

PIPPED AT THE POST

Six hard-earned goals were not enough to take the win against an impressive Caulfield Grammarians’ line up at Sunday’s home game. The first goal was scored by the visitors playing an impressively physical style of play. Old Xavs’ answered with a goal off of the boot of Jen Barker set up beautifully by Gabby Henderson. The celebration was short-lived however with Caulfield Grammarians finishing off the 1st quarter with a one goal lead.

The 2nd quarter demonstrated a great team effort on the part of the Old Xavs resulting in a goal by Imogen Millford. Coach Murray Browne’s Wall of Defence was effective in its ability to repeatedly drive the ball down the centre line with a close tussle ensuing. The WOX were matched in their physical presence by a team playing smart football, however it was clear the home team was on song bagging two more goals – the first by Annabel Nichols and the other kicked by co-vice-captain Maddie Sorrenti in the final stage of the quarter to position them in the lead by one goal.

The 3rd quarter saw a merry dance in and out of the Old Xavs’ forward 50 as they struggled to convert. Co-vice-captain Grace Knox broke through with a sensational goal, however a quick turn-around by a strong opposition and accurate kicking, resulted in a goal 30 seconds before the siren.

As both teams took to the field for the 4th, an air of tension surrounded the Xavier College playing field. Caulfield Grammarians were taking no prisoners with a goal in the first 30 seconds followed by another one shortly after. Playing her first game for the seniors, Grace Egan booted a beauty and Murray’s Wall of Defence stepped up putting significant pressure on the Opposition, blocking attack after attack on goal. Then the Fields struck late, seizing the lead. Xavs tried desperately for a reply, but it was to no avail. The Old Xavs conceded defeat, failing by  five points in a sad end to a riveting performance.

Reflect, recoup and rebound is the Brownies’ approach with a bye next week before taking on Old Camberwell in another home game.

Old Xaverians                1.4-10 4.4-28 5.4-34 6.5-41

Caulfield Grammarians 2.2-14 3.2-20 4.3-27 7.4-46

Goal Kickers: J. Barker, G. Knox, M. Sorrenti, A. Nichols, G. Egan, I. Milford

Best Players: H. McLaren, G. Egan, G. Golds, R. Poke, A. Livingstone, M. Purdon

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