BLACKS

In warm and windy conditions under the wires at TH King, a resolute Old Xavs team defended a narrow lead and pulled off a remarkable victory against a team that did not lose a game in last season's home and away schedule.

The Red 'n' Blacks looked the better team early, but Kevs added a valuable goal into the breeze.

After an early Xavs goal into the wind,, the home team pressed hard in the second term and used the breeze to pepper the goalmouth. Strong defence kept the Saints at bay, and the Red 'n Blacks managed to hold a narrow lead at the half.

The WOX had the chance to pull away in the third term, but a goal from Audrey Rhodes very late in the piece was the only dividend from the stanza. As things transpired, it was needed, but it was also enough.

The brave Xavs fought a tough rearguard action in the last, refusing to let the SKEVs take over. Time and again, the Saints threatened, but on every occasion bar one, the Claret and Stout held firm. The WOX just refused to be beaten, though they lost three players to injury on the way to a most-welcomed four points.

The large Xaverian crowd, fingernails thoroughly chewed, was delirious with both the effort and the result.

Few have doubted the enthusiasm of the WOX since their debut a year ago. Now no-one can question their grit or determination. They might smile, and laugh, and enjoy a joke in the rooms, but once on the park, they are tough, resilient and play as a team. As all Xaverian teams should.

St Kevins           1.2-8     3.7-25    3.7-25    4.8-32

Old Xaverians    3.1 -19   4.2-26    5.4-34    5.5-35

Goal Kickers: A. Rhodes 2, K. Mullins, A. Benifer, A. Harangozo
Best Players: V. Laloifi, R. Christgoergl , E. Dwyer , S. Henderson, A. Rhodes, C. Powell Wright

REDS

Fran Moodie's team went with a much more experienced St Kevin's for three quarters, but could not survive the deluge in the final term.

With so many girls playing their first game ever, and the loss of captain and deputy before half-time, taking the points was always going to be a challenge. Nevertheless, the WOX played their best football in the third term, putting the home team back on their heels.

At the half, Coach Moodie had challenged her team to lift and they responded accordingly. There will be improvement over the season and the Reds will trouble a lot of teams with their aggression and dedication to their task.

Five months from now, the margin today will be forgotten and the game will be remebered only as the day that was the springboard.

St Kevins              1.0-6    4.4-28     5.4-34   13.6-84

Old Xaverians     0.1-1       0.1-1         31-19        3.1-19

Goal Kickers: A. Clark, M. Casey, M. Ventura
Best Players: E. Ko, S. Ongarello, G. Rathgeber, C. Psyhogios, G. Purchase, S. Thom

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