November 19, 2024
RALPH'S NEW ROLE
O'Shaughnessy is Xavs' Footy GM
A Century of the Red & Black
On a Saturday when the WOX completed their seasons, all U19 and both teams saluted. The Reserves lost a close one, the Crocs took a rare hammering, the Menages won their second semi and the Seniors climbed all over Caulfield in a must-win contest
It was an even first term played at a cracking pace, and it was evident that Caulfield Grammarians were intent on an upset. Despite their narrow loss last week, the Red 'n' Blacks would brook no thoughts of defeat. They slowed, then stopped the Hoops, and helped themselves to another helping of percentage.
Second gamer Ben Bilston-McGillen was prominent early, but it was his fellow crumbed Hewitt who put Xavs on the board with a snap from the grandstand pocket. The highlight of the quarter, however, was an 80 metre goal from Xavier Richards that went 45 metres on the fly and then bounced.with purpose straight through the sticks.
Jordan Kelly was the pick of the defenders, marking strongly and setting up plenty of forward movement, while Fraser Pearce again stood tall, a safe pair of hands there to repel attacks from the Blue and Whites.
Aaron Vandenberg booted four in a very useful effort, bested only by Charlie MacIsaac, who kicked five and might have had a couple more. Nick Guiney bolted down from the half back line to boot a long one, reminding us again that there's plenty of Nick Wynne in him.
The engine room, of course, was where the day was won. Caulfield had a strong unit in the misddle of the ground, but the X-Men dominated, with Dan Robinson especially shining all afternoon.
Three to go to make the finals, and three more to win the flag. It will take some doing, but none of the other finals' aspirants really want to play the Red 'n' Blacks.
Goal Kickers: C. MacIsaac 5, A. Vandenberg 4, X. Richards 3, J. Hewitt 2, M. Stavrou, N. Guiney, J. Troiani
Best Players: D. Robinson, J. Kelly, C. MacIsaac, A. Vandenberg, X. Richards, B. Bilston-McGillen
A slow start from the premiership favourites proved costly, as middle-of-the-table Caulfield got the points in a tight finish. Ed Ralph dominated the air and the Lion of Toorak Park, Matt Handley dobbed another four, and while the Red 'n' Blacks looked the better team for most of the afternoon, they didn't win.
Goal Kickers: M. Handley 4, B. Scala, T. Simmons, T. Amad, L. Soccio, B. Kennedy
Best Players: E. Ralph, M. Handley, D. Feutrill, B. Kennedy, T. Simmons, T. Gilbert
PICS HERE
Gabby Golds was best and Gab Henderson kicked the only goals as Xavs fell to Kew. Despite the difference on the scoreboard, it was a good effort from the girls, whose season is now over. Full marks to a group of young players who stuck at it, and never gave up. Survival in Premier section is a reward in itself. The best is yet to come from and for the WOX.
Goal Kickers: G. Henderson
Best Players: G. Golds, G. Henderson, V. Murphy, P. Maus, M. Clarke, C. Powell Wright
Goal Kickers: S. Kinneally 2, K. Mullins
Best Players: M. Sorrenti, Z. Purcell, I. Villani, K. Mullins, R. Cox , E. Forrest
Rushy's Reputables looked in danger of dropping their first of the season, but a half-time spray from the coach did the trick. The young Red 'n' Blacks surged in the third and over-ran a plucky and well-organised Williamstown outfit.
The win gave the Claret and Stout the minor premiership. Whom they will meet in the second semi-final will be decided in the coming three weeks. Willy fell from second to third and will battle Old Scotch and Old Brighton to wear the white shorts against the X-Men.
PICS HERE
Goal Kickers: T. McRae 3, O. Duncan 2, E. Kennedy 2, H. McKay, H. Woodhouse
Best Players: R. Calvert, T. Dunne, T. McRae, H. Woodhouse, H. McKay, W. Bowen
Batty's Boys stunned the Nodders with a big four-quarter effort to beat the certain finalist. Will MacIsaac booted three to lead the Red 'n' Blacks past the visitors, keeping hopes alive for a spot in the finals. Sitting in fifth, the Xavs must rely on Hampton Rovers dr famously said: opping both remaining games, and beating two solid opponents themselves. As Rameses II famously said - "So shall it be ordered: so shall it be done".
Goal Kickers: W. Macisaac 3, M. Doherty 2, S. Dalton, A. Ivak, J. Adkins, C. Thomas
Best Players: S. O''Shannassy, N. Pozzi, J. Sandman, W. Macisaac, S. Dalton, D. Savage
Another big win for the Threes. Two to play and a big chance of playing finals.
No player details provided.
The Blacks torched Uni Blues at Crawford. A first or second-placed finish is now inevitable.
Goal Kickers: C. Westcott 5, B. Whelan 4, B. Kennedy, J. Camilleri, E. Hummerston, T. Mantesso, M. Exell, H. Quin
Best Players: C. Westcott, P. Cockerill, B. Whelan, J. Hansen, B. Kennedy, T. Paul
A big win for the Reds on the road. The Reds will finish first or second and play the OX Blacks in the major semi-final.
No player details supplied.
The O'Silks dominated, and big Milky Forrest kicked four as the Menages defeated old rival OMs to take a spot in the 2022 Premier Thirds Grand Final.
Xavs led all day, but the Dark Blues came hard late. It seems likely these two will have another crack in two week's time.
Goal Kickers: J. Forrest 4, R. Beaton, S. Cleeve, S. Knox
Best Players: O. Silk, T. Beaton, O. Silk, S. Knox, M. Cain, M. Lowe
The 'Diles went down to Trinity on their second semi-final and will meet Fitzroy in the Prelim final next week.
No player details supplied.
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