September 7, 2024
ONES STUN CARDS: RESSIES ROLLED
R18 was VAFA football at its craziest
A Century of the Red & Black
The U19 Premier team found some form, the WOX Twos returned to the happy side of the ledger and the Seniors bolted away from Fitzroy in an interesting weekend of football. However, things weren't as broght for the other U19 teams, the WOX Ones and the U23 Twos, all of whom fell heavily. The Emerald Hose, the Menages and the Gladiators all maintained unbeaten records.
The Red 'n' Blacks won their seventh of the season, defeating Fitzroy by 49 points at Toorak Park. The weather was by no means perfect for football, but after an even tussle in the first term, the home team ploughed away to lead by 32 points at the half. The Claret and Stout enjoyed the same ascendancy at both ends of the park in the third term to lead by 52 points. In the final stanza, a ten goal win appeared likely but the visitors booted a late one and Xavs missed a couple of opportunites as time expired.
Xavs welcomed back Dan Hannebery, Jed Feneley and Denis Symeopoulos for their first appearances this season. Dan Tuddenham returned and Ted 'Senator' Kennedy debuted. All acquitted themselves well in the victory, but it was skipper Marcus Stavrou whose star shone brightest. The continued fine form of Hamish Bowen, and the reliability of Charlie Westcott and Alex Trigar saw Fitzroy in trouble after quarter time.
With Charlie MacIsaac, Hayden Troiani and Stirling Phipps-Parsons firing up forward, the visitors were never going to match the Red 'n' Blacks all afternoon. Alec Spralja proved again to be among the ruck elite.
The Royboys, of course, are struggling to cobble together enough wins to remain in Premier section. They again showed plenty of endeavour, but were missing some of their better players and couldn't get the job done here.
Xavs will be happy with the victory, and in the knowledge they will regain some important players soon. However, bigger tests await. Collegians at the Trott are always tough and their big win over Blacks today was enough to edge the Claret and Stout into fifth spot. Beating the Purples next week is critical. The two Varsity sides come in to finish this year's home fixtures, before a tough run home via the Snakepit, Brighton Beach Oval and Camberwell. We will know then just how bright those skies are.
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Kevs beat Blues in a low scoring game at TH King, Brighton was untroubled against the OMs, Scotch had a first half scare against Bernards but hit back strongly, while Collegians pounded Blacks at the Uni today.
St Kevin's 48 d Uni Blues 24
Old Brighton 73 d Old Melburnians 29
Old Scotch 66 d St Bernard's 30
Collegians 112 d Uni Blacks 36
For much of the first half and in the third term, the result of the game seemed in some small doubt, but as has happened so many times this season, Dimitri's Gladiators crushed the opposition hopes with a devastating burst.
Six goals in one quarter in challenging conditions was a super effort from the Red 'n' Blacks, who got plenty from Nick Brown, Hamish MacIsaac and skipper Ben Scala.
Pat Cockerill and Lucas Soccio, both promted, booted two apiece and played strong hands, as the X-Men rolled to their twelfth win this season.
The day marked the fourteen-month anniversary of the club's 100 year Gala Ball, 20 May 2023. This date was also the last time the Xavs' Reserves lost.
Katta Mullins and Vanessa Murphy led a team that showed great spirit again, but could not contain the Shark offensive. Chiara Ciairelli was the long goalkicker for the visitors, and were well served too by Hannah Ryan, Ella Neuwirth and the very consistent Amy Benifer.
The WOX Twos kep finals hopes alive with a big win at Banksia Reserve. The Red 'n' Blacks jumped to a narrow lead in the first and strengthened their hand in the second stanza. While containing Beaumaris, they steamed away to six goal win that will do their confidence a world of good. Lia Siniakov and Zoe Purcell were prominent, as were Lucy Lentini, Eliza Burnes Jemima Dwyer and Emma Purcell.
The U19 Premier team returned to the winners' list after a hibernation that lasted too long for comfort. Noah LaFrantz starred and Charlie Christopher kicked six and Tom Scalzo five to sink old rivals Caulfield by a massive 25 goals. Xavs had good players all over the park and were never troubled.
The Red'n' Blacks are still outside the four and will need to maintain their form to stay alive. Old Brighton and Old Scotch appear their biggest challenges, but they can't afford to take their other oponents easy either.
Hampton Rovers defeated Old Xaverians by 47 points at Boss James Reserve despie a four-goal BOG performance from Charles Wright-Smith. Rovers struck early and had moved to a four goal lead by the long break. The margin proved insurmountable for the visitors, who slipped away further behind as the Green and Golds applied greater pressure.
Therry Penola whipped the 193s with a strong performance at Stradbroke Park. The visitors never allowed Xavs a way into the game, and went to a 33 point lead at the half. Further damage was inflicted in the third term. Michael Cannalonga was best for the X-Men.
Uni Blues handed over the four points to the Old Xavs without firing a shot.
A tight one, but a good one from the the Menages, who overcame difficult conditions at Crawford to beat the Blacks by ten points in a low scoring affair. Ed Ponari was best for the Xavs, who remained unbeaten. (And they have been unbeaten since 6 May 2023).
Savanna Villis gallery
The Crocs were pressured in the first half but pulled away after the long break to win by 29 points. The victory sees the Reptiles remain unbeaten and naturally, top of the table, with just two rounds remaining. Alex Lachowicz was best again in an even team performance.
The Diles last lowered their colours on 18 June last year.
A horrible day for the 232s as Whitefriars clubbed them by 64 points in a surprisingly large loss. Ed MacIsaac was best for the vanquished, who must now reset for the short, but treacherous, run home.
