VALE ANNE DENTON
Club matriarch passes away
It wasn't all smooth sailing for the Red 'n' Blacks in R2. Eight of the eleven teams won, including a forfeit to the WOX 2s.
Old Brighton outlasted Old Xaverians in a high-quality contest at Toorak Park, defeating the home team by three points.
There had been a time in the third term where it looked as if the Tonners would bounce away, but some heroics from Charlie MacIsaac, Jack Hewitt and Marcus Stavrou swung the game back in Xavs' favour. Apart from these periods, neither team seemed capable of breaking the other. For much of the afternoon, it was a goal at one end and then one at the other end. Brighton skipper Harry Hill had a chance to seal it deep into time on in the final term, but missed. Xavs had nearly four minutes to respond, but on this day, couldn't get it done.
The home team did not help itself with some poor ball handling and disposal in defence. Old Brighton is a great team that thrives on punishing errors and their ability to stay in the game when the Claret and Stout put the foot down. Xavs missed Aaron Vandenberg's grunt and the tall defenders found the going tough until Ryan Schoenmakers pushed back.
The skipper Stavrou was again outstanding, while Grant Valles was dangerous in attack and when rucking. Brad Olsson was solid and kicked perhaps the goal of the day. Brendan Goss showed plenty deep in attack. MacIsaac was electric when his chances came. He booted four, and was clearly the Xavs' best forward.
These teams will meet again, in all probability, at least twice. When next they meet, both will likely be stronger and in mid-season form.
For now, Coach Byrne's crew will be looking no further ahead than Saturday week, when Old Melburnians will arrive.
Goal Kickers: C. MacIsaac 4, B. Goss 3, M. Stavrou 2, J. Hewitt 2, G. Valles, M. Batten
Best Players: M. Stavrou, G. Valles, C. MacIsaac, B. Olsson, W. Hams, C. Beetham
Landrigan's Legion had a solid win in the curtain-raiser. The Red 'n' Blacks cruised away int he second half, punching through eight goals to two after the long break.
Billy Kennedy impressed, and Charlie Whitehead, who was a late inclusion for promoted Tom Hart, was in fine fettle. Charlie Knott kicked two on debut as the home team shared the goals around.
Goal Kickers: H. Bell 2, B. Kennedy 2, C. Knott 2, B. Scala, T. Simmons, J. Ayton-Delaney, C. Whitehead, L. Soccio, M. Handley
Best Players: B. Kennedy, C. Whitehead, H. Bell, D. Tuddenham, C. Holmes, C. Woodley
The Red 'n Blacks registered their first win with a big result over St Mary's Salesian at Toorak Park.
Mary-Anne Jessup booted six goals as the Xavs streeted their rivals. Eighteen shots for the game was a great result, and that fourteen of them split the big sticks was even better. Bella Villani added three as the WOX maintained their strong record at Toorak Park.
Bridget Wilson's gallery is here
Goal Kickers: M. Jessup 6, I. Villani 3, A. Nichols 2, C. Pittard, C. Lacey, T. Mant
Best Players: M. Jessup, T. Mant, I. Villani, C. Powell Wright, A. Benifer
Three goals from Ted 'Senator' Kennedy fired the U19s to a comfortable win over arch-rival De La Salle at Stradbroke on Saturday. Hayden Woodhouse was adjudged best afield in a game that the Red 'n' Blacks won early, with a sizzling six-goal opening term.
Goal Kickers: E. Kennedy 3, T. Silvagni 2, K. Walford 2, H. MacIsaac, B. Bilston-McGillen, J. Sassi, H. Woodhouse, D. Fitzgerald, L. Hecker, H. Basset
Best Players: H. Woodhouse, K. Walford, H. Basset, C. Dodds, B. Hodges, H. MacIsaac
Kim Fenely shot the action, and you'll see the pics here
A strong win for the Magoos, with Will Excell and Mat Doherty booting four apiece. Willie Nelson was best on ground as the Red 'n' Blacks dominated the first half and held the Varsity at bay in the second.
Kim Fenely captured the drama and you can see those pics here
Goal Kickers: M. Doherty 4, W. Exell 4, S. Dalton 2, W. Stevens, J. Nelson, B. Sherman, J. Alexander
Best Players: W. Nelson, W. Exell, S. Dalton, T. Amalfi , S. O'Shannassy, T. Lowe
The Red n' Blacks torched St Bernard's at Stradbroke. A massive first term set the foundation for a big win and the stingy Xavs defence ensured there was no Snow Dog revival. a 25 goal win was a solid result.
No joy for the 'Nages despite three goals from Josh "Tooka" Hanger. Old rival OMs proved too strong on the day.
Goal Kickers: J. Hanger 3, J. Buffon, D. Nash, O. Silk, M. Lowe, J. Forrest
Best Players: T. Polkinghorn, J. Forrest, J. Ukovic, S. Knox, J. Hanger, L. Tobin
The U23s pounded Old Geelong at Greythorn, winning by 16 goals in a sensational effort.
Goal Kickers: B. Whelan 3, C. Niall 3, S. Stynes 3, G. Lachal 2, L. Agnoletto 2, O. Smart 2, E. Ralph 2, O. Tehan, J. Hess, M. Exell
Best Players: O. Smart, M. Speakman, C. Niall, C. Westcott, S. Stanley, L. Agnoletto
The Reds found the going tough against the Snow Dogs, going down by 40 points at Greythorn.
Goal Kickers: C. Healey 3, S. Asdagi, N. Harries, L. Pereira, J. Lee, F. Coyne
Best Players: S. Asdagi, D. Condon, C. Healey, E. Hummerston, L. Pereira
The 'Diles eked out a handy three-goal win at the Beach. Charlie Wilson was best as the Lime Hose overcame spirited opposition from the Tonners.
Goal Kickers: J. Lucchesi 2, J. Lyon 2, M. Perrett 2, A. Keyhoe, L. O'Sullivan, H. Nidam, H. Aikman, J. Bueno
Best Players: C. Wilson, H. Aikman, L. O'Sullivan, H. Nidam, M. Perrett, P. Darrer