RELENTLESS, RUTHLESS RED 'n' BLACKS SCORCH SCOTCHIES IN FABULOUS FINAL FLING

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Sunny skies greeted all at Elsternwick for the third consecutive premiership playoff between Old Xaverians and Old Scotch. The Cardinals had come from third position after inflicting defeat on the Red 'n' Blacks in R18, and were confident of breaking their finals' disappointment against the Claret and Stout. But this day, the X-Men were in no mood to entertain defeat.

Skipper Ben Scala, chasing his sixth consecutive premiers' medal pointed towards the city end, favoured by a light zephyr, and the game was underway. Immediately, Xavs established an ascendancy in the stoppages, pushing the ball forward with regularity, but couldn't find links to goal. As so often happens after a period of scoreless superiority, they weren't the first to score. At eight minutes, Scotch raced it down to the scoreboard end but managed just a minor. It was their only lead of the day.

Makuc Mahommed, who had been cooling his heels on the pine, entered the fray. At 12 minutes, he booted the Red 'n' Blacks first goal after some aerial fireworks. He was at it again and involved in Billy Kennedy's first goal just minutes later, then again at 16 minutes when he slotted his second. Sammy Hansen, already dynamic and dominating around the ground, added the X-Men's fourth as the clock wound down. The reigning premier was on its way, leading by 23 points at the first change.

But was it enough? The breeze freshened behind the Red Men for the second stanza, but some magnificent defensive work by the Red 'n' Blacks turned them away whenever they ventured forward. The Cardinals were held to just 1.2 for the quarter, with their only major featuring a little luck at a time-on stoppage. Most of the action was at the scoreboard end, as Xavs added a pair of goals through Senator Kennedy, who burst into the chamber in this term, and Harrison Bell, whose great bodywork worried the Caledonian defence. At the half, the lead was out to 28 points.

The third term was the Xavs' best. While Scotch could manage just a behind for the stanza due to the ruthlessness of the X-Men in defence and the work of the Xavs' midfield, which allowed them few opportunites. Ted Kennedy added another at three minutes, Charlie Westcott kicked truly at five minutes. At 13 minutes, Hamish MacIsaac goaled and, minutes later, Harrison Bell added another. MacIsaac added the cherry with another in time-on. The X-Men were ahead by 61 at the lemons, and the game was over.

The Cards booted the first two goals, but the Senator and then MacIsaac landed goals before Coach Panotis swung Joe Tobin forward in the hope that the long-sleeved defender would boost his 108 game career output of 11 goals. The much-loved genial giant fought desperately to land one in what was rumoured to be his last waltz, but it wasn't to be. It was the Reds who landed the final punch to win the quarter, but that was their only consolation. The Claret and Stout won by an even nine goals in a murderous performance.

Hugh Basset did as he wished in the midfield in a masterful display, and plenty of others shone brightly too. Ben Moyle exerted his influence all over the park, Charlie Westcott was unstoppable, particularly at the re-starts, Billy Egan was brilliant in defence, and Will Hart topped his 2nd semi performance with an outstanding game on the wing. Mahommed and MacIsaac, Bell and the Kennedy brothers were great targets up front, but in truth, it was a total team effort, one worthy of great admiration.

Old Scotch again was a tenacious and talented opponent, but barring a few passages of positivity, was never allowed into the game. Whatever they did well, Xavs just did better, combining with purpose and precision.

Hugh Basset won the medal for BOG ahead of perhaps as many as half-a-dozen other worthy choices offered by supporters on the mound. Coach Panotis and super-sistant John Symeopolous (seven flags), Greek gods of entirely different physical stature, were all smiles after the victory, but full of humility and praise for their charges.The coach pointed out the contribution of Ben Scala to the team. He had a great year as captain, playing in various positions but always playing his heart out.

So the Reserves achieved the first three-peat* since 2000-2002 and their 17th premiership over all. It was the club's 91st premiership in 96 completed seasons. Having played in every grand final since 2011, it's fair to say that they have set the benchmark for the Ressies competition. The next step for the Old Xaverians is to re-establish that dominance at senior level and several of today's contributors have the chance to be a part of that.

* The Reserves have won four premierships on end, having saluted in 2019 before the interruption.

(Ben Scala collected his sixth premiership medal. He won two in the U19s, one in the U23s and now three in the Magoos.)

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If Old Scotch was disappointed with the Reserves result, they will be delighted with its senior performance. The Cardinals won their first Premier flag since 1978, trouncing minor premier Old Brighton. Congratulations to the Reds, who like the Tonners, played the decider without their skipper. We'll see them both again next year.