November 19, 2024
RALPH'S NEW ROLE
O'Shaughnessy is Xavs' Footy GM
A Century of the Red & Black
Round 4 was another bag of all-sorts for the Red 'n Blacks, with some unfortunate losses somewhat balancing some important victories.
For the second year running, Old Xaverians fell to Caulfield Grammarians at Glen Huntly Oval. While never appearing beaten until late in the game, the visitors never looked clear winners either. The Red 'n' Blacks led at the first change, but fell behind soon thereafter. They crept back to withing seven points in the final stanza, but the Hoops responded and cleared out to a twenty point victory.
Coach James Byrne will take some solace from the solid return to form of Ben Banting, the efforts of Nick Guiney and the solid contributions of some others in an otherwise flat performance. Xavs' skill levels were below the expected and the Fields, ever-enthusiastic, registered their first win of the campaign.
The Claret and Stout, with three losses on end, can take some small consolation from the losses of other favourites, but must find form fast if it is to restore its chances of contention. Its next three games, Collegians and St Kevin's at home, split by a trip to Camberwell to meet a resurgent Old Scotch, will be critical.
Goal Kickers: M. Batten 2, D. Tuddenham 2, C. MacIsaac, J. Hewitt, A. Vandenberg
Best Players: B. Banting, N. Guiney, S. Ralph, R. Schoenmakers, D. Robinson, W. Hams
Another punishing display by the Reserves, who caught fire in the second term and kept it rolling throughout the game. Key forwards Handley and Bell booted three apiece in a performance that saw the team move within a few percentage points of top-ranked Old Scotch, whom it will meet in two weeks.
Kuiy Jiath was best afield, while Will Goss and James Langford were high in the best. all have tasted senior football in recent weeks. Charlies Knott and Holmes again proved sharp around the goals in the one-sided romp.
Pics here
Goal Kickers: H. Bell 3, M. Handley 3, C. Holmes 2, W. Goss 2, C. Knott 2, W. Honan, H. Bowen, B. Scala, K. Jiath
Best Players: K. Jiath, W. Goss, A. Spralja, H. Bell, A. Bird, J. Langford
St Kevin's proved far too strong for the WOX, registering a big win at Righetti. It was another brave effort from the women, playing against a team that looks destined to go through the year with very few losses. Next week, the WOX meet old rival Kew, and a win there will further solidify the Red 'n' Blacks' spot in the four.
The WOX Reserves were outplayed, but still fought hard to the end. Better days ahead.
Rushy's Rookies pounded the Cardinals at Stradbroke Park, winning every quarter and picking up steam as the game progressed. The Red 'n' Blacks thus inflicted on Scotch their first defeat, and the Xavs now sit top of the table, and the only team as yet undefeated. Next week, a date with the 2-2 St Kevin's.
Kim Feneley's pics here
Goal Kickers: E. Kennedy 3, H. Woodhouse 2, T. Silvagni 2, D. Fitzgerald 2, K. Walford, C. Dodds, E. Niall, L. Moore, J. Sassi, B. Bilston-McGillen
Best Players: H. McKay, T. Silvagni, K. Walford, W. Hart, J. Jones, T. Dunne
Batty's Boys torched the Bloods in a brilliant performance at Stradbroke Park. Mat Doherty's five goals earned him BOG honours, but he had plenty of help from teammates hungry for a big win.
Next week, a date with St Bede's Mentone Tigers at Brindisi. The Tiges are top of the table at 3-1.
See Bridget Wilson's and Kim Feneley's pics here
Goal Kickers: M. Doherty 5, J. Alexander 3, W. Macisaac 2, A. Lo Giudice 2, M. Murphy, S. Dalton, N. Gorman, W. Stevens, N. Pozzi
Best Players: M. Doherty, J. Alexander, N. Johnson, E. Logan, D. McCarthy, N. Pozzi
Old Paradians forfeited. Next week, a date with St Kevin's, who sit two games back of the Red 'n Blacks.
De La Salle forfeited. Next week, a big clash with finals' aspirant Old Trinity.
Charlie Westcott booted four and was BOG as the Reds won a tight one over traditional rival Old Scotch.
Next week, the 2 and 2 Reds roll on to meet Uni Blues.
Goal Kickers: C. Westcott 4, S. Stynes 2, C. Healey, K. Lowrey, F. Coyne
Best Players: C. Westcott, C. Niall, W. Bryce, S. Stanley, J. Kennedy, N. Kelliher
The 'Nages pumped SKOB on foreign soil and meet botto-placed (fifth) Uni Blacks next week.
Goal Kickers: O. Silk 4, J. Forrest 3, S. Knox 2, M. Tempone, W. Mantesso
Best Players: T. Beaton, O. Silk, D. Nash, M. Forrest, J. Forrest, J. Hanger
More joy for the Diles as Ed Ralph kicked six to lift the Lime Hose to a comfortable win over Caulfield.
Goal Kickers: E. Ralph 6, J. Lyon 3, T. Sartori 3, H. Aikman 3, N. Russ, C. Wilson, L. O''Sullivan, H. Reed, M. Perrett
Best Players: H. Aikman, H. Reed, L. Aikman, J. Bueno, E. Ralph, J. Lyon
.png){kind=logo}
