The first Match Day Lunch was a crowded and enjoyable affair, with a lively and informative interview with Simon O'Donnell. The crowd filed out for an Anzac Day commemoration ceremony and then friends turned to foes at the first bounce.

For the third time in this young season, the Red 'n' Blacks lowered their colours, this time to a talented and aggressive St Kevin's, who came to Toorak Park with strong intent.

Not that the Claret and Stout lacked any resolve, but again, their efforts weren't matched with the sharp execution needed to upset the reigning premier. While the X-Men went with the visitors for much of the afternoon, and enjoyed some ascendancy in patches, SKOB's ability to score quickly and crush any resistance made all the difference.

The second stanza was a disaster for the home team. St Kevin's ran riot, adding 6.1 despite some desperate defence from the Xavs. Some great overlap provided scoring opportunities for the X-Men, but all but one were squandered.

It was in the third term that the Claret and Stout hit their straps. They won the quarter and produced some football that reflected their capabilities and met expectation. But it was still not enough.

Not helping the home team's cause was that its skill errors were regularly punished by a super confident opponent. They ran. they linked, they scored. Xavs tried the same method, but all too often, the promise was terminated by a big fist from a big defender. SKOB, who love to put a score on the board, also like defending tough.

It didn't help either that Xavs skipper Dan Noonan had left the ground in the first term. That Xavs stayed in the contest and clawed their way closer was a credit to a team that showed grit, but was nonetheless outclassed.

Despite the loss, and the obvious flaws it exposed, hopes remain high that the worm will turn. Luck hasn't been with this team at all, but more hard work will surely deliver some. It may not happen overnight, but it will happen.

Old Xaverians    2.0-12     3.2-20     8.6-54     9.9-63

St Kevins            3.2-20    9.3-57     12.5-77   15.11-101

Goal Kickers: M. Handley 3, B. Goss, M. Margin, H. Troiani, T. Johnston, B. Kennedy, T. Anderson
Best Players: T. Anderson, M. Margin, C. Lane, C. Margin, T. Johnston, B. Kennedy

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