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SNAKEBIT: SLICK SNOWDOGS CRUSH CLARET AND STOUT

St Bernard's started brilliantly and finished just as well, torching Old Xaverians by 43 points at West Essendon. The Dogs won the toss as kicked with the strong breeze. Immediately struck hard an often. The vistors squandered several opportunities, leaving the home team a 31 point lead at the first break.

Xavs second term was better in terms of cutting the lead, but some bad decisions, turnovers and an uncalibrated radar near the sticks meant that Bernies maintained a healthy half time lead.

In the third, Bernies blew it out to a six goal advantage early in the term, but the Red 'n' Blacks turned on their best 20 minutes of the game, defending with aplomb and finally finding some goal accuracy. With just 20 points between them at the lemons, the visitors were perhaps firm favourites given they'd be coming home with the aid of a freshening wind.

Not so. The wind died, and Bernies didn't, and they lashed the Xavs' defence for another six goals.

St Bernard's needed the win, but they could not have dreamed it was going to be like this. Xavs had won seven of eight in recent years at the Snakepit, but not today.

Defenders Jed Feneley and Tommy Dunne were the pick of the vanquished, while Charlie MacIsaac worked hard against a great player, but did not get the reward he might have had. Sam Ralph, Sam Fisher and skipper Marcus Stavrou tried to get things going too, but the team's skill errors and poor shot selection killed opportunities. It was no way to celebrate Denis Symeopoulos' 150.

Two wins (@ Old Brighton, @ Old Scotch) in the next fortnight should see Dan Donati's team play finals. One win might be enough, but they must preserve their percentage advantage over the Lions. However, given these opponents are first and second on the ladder, this is no easy job. The X-Men of course, have a strong tradition of winning games when they count. We'll see.

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There's no doubt about VAFA football. A bizarre Round 16 turned up some big surprises.

Uni Blacks (73) outlasted St Kevin's (66) under the spires, almost guaranteeing their survival and dumping the Tricolours to 3rd position.

Fitzroy (90) gave themselves another reprieve when they defeated Uni Blues (75), sending the Swamp Hens to their seventh straigh defeat.

Old Brighton (108) jumped Collegians (63) at the Trott and held firm all day.

Old Scotch (92) had a challenge from Old Melburnians (64), but steamed away in the final term.

Bernards (still to play @ St Kevins, v OMs) , Fitzroy (v Blacks, @ Collegians) and Old Melburnians (@ Uni Blues, @ St Bernard's) are in a huge battle for eighth position and another tilt at Premier Section in 2025.

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GLADIATORS POWER OVER PITTERS

Dimitri's Gladiatos stayed unbeaten with an 86 point win over St Bernards, kicking off the day with a briliant first quarter and turning up the pressure in the second half.

The tireless skipper Ben Scala was outstanding but even his great efforts were overshadowed by those of the Senator, Ted Kennedy, who slotted five in the romp.

In truth, the X-Men had winners all over the park, and while the choppy breeze didn't help accuracy, the run and carry and boundless enthusasm for big wins saw them hit levels that would make many others jealous.

The four appears settled. SKOB might well be the X-Men's semi-final opponent, but before that, two final tuneups against the other finalists, Old Brighton and Old Scotch.

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CARDS SEND XAVS PACKING

There will be no three-peat for the Xavs U19s, as Old Scotch finished their season with a 65 point victory at Camberwell.

The Cardinals turned it on when needed and never looked in trouble despite a strong but fruitless effort from the Red 'n' Blacks. The home team scored their goals in bunches and their skill levels were outstanding.

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WILLY HOLDS ON AFTER MASSIVE START

Old Xaverians were pounded early by the blue and gold, surrendering nine goals and a 46 point deficit in the opening term. After that, the Red 'n' Blacks picked up steam, winning the middle quarters and really hitting their straps in the last term to close the final gap to 30 points.

Danny Boyle and Sam Turner II were best for the X-Men, the latter booting three goals, as did James Babidge. So the season is over for the 193s. Their five wins left them well short of the finals, but the players who saddled up for the team will have learned much from their introduction to the club and to VAFA football.