Encouraging signs for the WOX, and two big wins for the Seniors and Reserves at Uni Oval headline the stories of Round 4.

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Seniors

SOUVLAKI SIZZLES AS YOUNG GUNS AGAIN SHOW PLENTY

Old Xaverians won their third of the year and retained the Carmody Cup when they cruised to a 37 point victory over Uni Blues at Parkville. It was just the Red ‘n’ Blacks fourth win under the spires since 2011, with the margin double that of their previous best in 2018. 

In less-than-ideal conditions, the Red ‘n’ Blacks were on the board early in the term, a dose they repeated in each subsequent quarter.

While Blues found accuracy in front of the sticks a problem, as they had done a fortnight ago on the same ground, the visitors, seemingly in control, over-used the ball at times and it wasn’t until later in the third term when Xavs rolled out to a lead that looked to be safe.

Coach Byrne will be happy that his team has had so many contributors over the first month and delighted that so many of them have been the rookies he has chosen. None has been as consistent as Tommy Dunne over the four games, but today, it was Jed Feneley whose star shone brightest in defence. He did a tremendoius job shutting down the Blues' big guns and had plenty of the ball himself.

The tall timber of Oscar Duncan and Jack Boyd wereinstrumental in shutting down the Swamp Hens at the stoppages by getting firsthands on the ball. The experienced Dan Robinson and Denis Symeopoulos were the beneficiaries and continued their fine form. The 'Sizzling Souvlaki' has already done some spectacular things in this young season and he appears to be relishing his leadership role.

Julian Soccio presented well, as always, and kicked three goals, while Jack Hewitt made his senior return by ensuring he was in and underwhenever the ball was in proximity. Grant Valles and Charlie MacIsaac always looked threatened. Special mention to Charlie Knott, who had a purple patch in the third term when he exposed a seasoned opponent and then kicked the goal of the day.

Next week, the Xavs play at their fifth venue in five weekswhen they head to Elsternwick to meet unbeaten St Kevin’s, whose four wins havecome against sides yet to salute.

The ladder reveals that three teams are winless, but as the Lions showed last year, the first month isn't always compulsory. Still, Xavs will be delighted with their start to the year, with so many new players picking up the baton and running hard with it.

Goal Kickers:J. Soccio 3, J. Boyd 2, C. MacIsaac 2, D. Symeopoulos 2, J.Hewitt, C. Knott
Best Players:J. Feneley, D. Symeopoulos, J. Hewitt, O. Duncan,D. Robinson, T. Dunne

Reserves

HUMMING ALONG NICELY

Ed Hummerston starred again as the Red 'n' Blacks rolled over Uni Blues under the spires. The visitors' first half deliivered more than enough to win - nine goals without a miss, and while the shooting was wayward beyond the long break, it didn't allow the home team back into the contest.

Will Hart slotted four and Jamie Hess three as the Claret and Stout rambled to their fourth win of the season. Next week, a clash with St Kevin's, who will no doubt be keen to cement their spot in the top four.

Gallery

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Goal Kickers: W. Hart 4, J. Hess 3, E. Kennedy 2, B. Scala 2, S. Turner, B.Kennedy, M. Exell, C. Westcott
Best Players: E. Hummerston, C. Dunne, W. Hart, J. Hess, J.Hansen, H. Bowen

WOX

A COME-FROM-BEHIND TIE

They fell behind, they caught them, they passed them and then the Wellers hit back to split the points with a rejuvenated Old Xavs at Greythorn.

With the rearrangement of the VAFA sections and the reassignment of the Red 'n' Blacks to Division One, there was renewed optimism about saluting for the first time this season. Certainly, the WOX, always plucky and hard at it, put together some passages that point to happier days down the track.

Goal Kickers: C. Lacey 2, M. Clarke, S. Rothfield, T. Mant
Best Players: M. Clarke, T. Mant, S. Anderson, S. Rothfield, C.Lacey, R. VandenBoom

U19 Premier

TOO GOOD FOR SNOWDOGS

Goal Kickers: W. Exell 2, C. Ralph 2, C. Bourne, A. Ivak, N. Calvert, W.Stevens, E. Dalton, J. Sassi +4

Best:

U19 Twos

BATTY'S BOYS FALL SHORT

Goal Kickers:J. Salce 2, E. Pick, M. Dahlsen, J. McCarthy
Best Players:L. Fares, T. Regan, P. Gilmour, W. Troy, A.Connors, W. Beattie

U19 Threes

RED'N' BLACKS WIN A LOW SCORING GAME

U23

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Gallery

Menages

DOGS DEVOUR RED 'N' BLACKS

Goal Kickers: D. Nash 3, W. Honan, X. Romanin-Green, E. Browne
Best Players: S. Cleeve, D. Nash, E. Barr, J. Samartzis, J.Buffon

Crocs

DILES GO LARGE ON KEW

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Goal Kickers: M. Perrett 8, G. Lachal 4, H. Vanderkley 3, J. Stratford 2,T. O''Brien 2, J. Lyon, T. Lyon
Best Players: M. Perrett, A. Taouk, G. Lachal, M. Speakman, S.Stanley, L. Doquile

U23 Twos

PEGS forfeited

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