In a big day at Toorak Park, the Seniors fell to Old Brighton, the Ressies secured a late draw and the U19 Reserves won their second semi-final. Elsewhere, the Menages collected another win and the U23s went down by 12 points against premiership rival SKOB Gold.

PREMIER

TONNERS SEIZE THE DAY

Old Xaverians enjoyed several patches of dominance at Toorak Park against the finals-bound Old Brighton but could not sustain performance long enough to take the points.

Under sunny skies, Xavs began poorly and were three goals down before registering an effective disposal. Troiani opened the scoring at the High Street end at 12 minutes and then Matthew Handley, playing his 250th, calmly slotted his 750th club goal from close range. The margin at the first change was 14 points, which probably flattered the hitherto listless home team.

The Red 'n' Blacks hit back hard in the second stanza, and played some of their best football seen this year. Running wild and finding unusual precision in the front half, Xavs kicked seven on a helpless Brighton defence. The two majors kicked by the Tonners kept the game alive.

Early in the third, It appeared Xavs had the game by the throat, but yet could not apply the necessary scoreboard pressure. John Milhuisen was involved in a nasty head clash and was stretchered off. The delay did nothing for the home team's chances and the Beach Boys finished the term looking ominous again.

There was confidence in the lemon time huddle that the Claret and Stout had plenty to give in the final term, but as it transpired, that optimism was misplaced. The Tonners kicked away, Xavs threatened again, and then Old Brighton scooted away for good.

There were some notable performances in the defeat. Matt Handley provided great strength at the goal front, booting four and providing chances for Hayden Troiani and and Jimmy "The Dancer" Midgley. Jason Holmes was brilliant in the ruck and in the air, while Tomi Johnston and Luke Bisset provided plenty of dash. The skipper Dan Noonan was solid in defence after starting forward, and Jordan Kelly provided him with capable assistance.

Xavs' season ended how it had begun, with a loss at Toorak Park. With Uni Blues and De La Salle winning their battles with relegation, the Red 'n' Blacks dropped two spots on the ladder. A seventh place finish was not imagined in April, but neither was ninth and tenth, both of which the Red 'n' Blacks occupied at some stage during this year's campaign, which at times was inspired, but not often enough.

Results at other grounds saw Old Scotch condemned to Premier B section, where they will join St Bede's/Mentone Tigers. Yet to be determined are the two clubs coming back to Premier section in 2019. Most likely the Xavs will adding West Essendon to their travel schedule and either an additional trip to Uni Oval or a visit to Dunshea.

Old Xaverians    2.2-14     9.4-58    11.5-71       13.7-85
Old Brighton      4.4-28    6.4-40    10.6-66    16.8-104

Goal Kickers: M. Handley 4, J. Midgley 2, H. Troiani 2, B. Kennedy, J. Holmes, M. Merlo, H. Batten, L. Bisset
Best Players: M. Handley, J. Holmes, J. Kelly, D. Noonan, T. Johnston, L. Bisset