SATURDAY NIGHT JIVE 4 September

Promotion for three more: Carey, Monash Blues, and Mt Lilydale.

4 SEPTEMBER:

OLD CAREY PROMOTED TO PREMIER

MONASH BLUES HEAD BACK TO PREMIER C

MT LILYDALE BOUND FOR DIV 3

After 54 years of mixed fortunes, this was Old Carey’s finest hour, beating Old Haileybury convincingly in the Premier B Second Semi-Final and winning promotion.

Panther Allister Parton, who had ten years ago played in Old Xavs A Section premiership team as an eighteen year old, the silky Grant Baldwin and skipper tom Evans were instrumental in the victory.  Jarrod Reid snagged three on a day when scoring was difficult. Brett Voss scored a hat-trick for Haileybury and was clearly the Bloods’ best forward.

The game was relatively tight until midway through the second term, when the Panthers added quick goals to head to the break with a four goal lead. They worked hard to contain the Bloods in the third term and bolted home with the wind in the last to salute by 46 points.

Old Haileybury play in next week’s Preliminary Final against Uni Blacks.

In the Division 1 Preliminary Final, Monash Blues were too good for North Old Boys/St Pat’s, who managed just two goals for the afternoon. The Blues bounce back after their poor season in 2009.

In Division 4, Mt Lilydale easily accounted for Manningham Cobras and head to Div 3 via the Grand Final next week.

Sunday sees finals in Premier (2SF), Premier C, Divisions 2 and 3 (PF).

28 AUG:

CAULFIELD GRAMMARIANS, WERRIBEE, BANYULE AND MONASH GRYPHONS ALL PROMOTED.

UNI BLACKS, POWER HOUSE SEND OLD IVANHOE AND ALBERT PARK HOME.

In pleasant weather but in varying ground conditions, the VAFA’s semi-final Saturday produced the joy and elation.  In Premier B, Uni Blacks led from start to finish against Old Ivanhoe at Sportscover Arena, eventually running out winners by 27 points. The Blacks were too slick for the Hoes, who didn’t get the necessary production from their forwards to win. VAFA U23 rep Charlie Richardson nailed four and was best afield.

In Premier C, played at Sandringham, Caulfield Grammarians shook a determined Beaumaris to win promotion to Premier B. Their 24 point second semi-final victory will be a great relief to the ‘Fields, who were tipped out of last year’s finals in straight sets.

In Division 1, Werribee won a hard-fought contest over Monash Blues and head to the grand final in two weeks. They also head up to Premier C.

Division 2 favourites Banyule didn’t have it easy against Glen Eira, which led for much of the early going. The Bears eventually won by 11 points, with Ash Brown slotting eight and will move up a tier next April.

The first semi-final of Division 3 saw Power House beat Albert Park, while Monash Gryphons bounce back to that level after defeating Mt Lilydale in the Division 4 second semi-final. Mick Malloy booted six for the Gryphs.

The action continues tomorrow, with the Div 3 second semi final and first semi-finals in other sections, including the Premier clash between De La Salle and Uni Blues at Sportscover Arena.

21 AUG:

THE MUSIC STOPS AND SKOB MISSES A CHAIR

The freakish Premier B home and away season has ended in shock, with St Kevin’s, the pundits’ pre-season premiership favourites and consistent contenders all year for the double chance, missing the final four entirely after surrendering a five goal quarter time lead and losing to Hampton Rovers at Boss James Reserve.

Chris Gleeson kicked six as Matt Robbins closed out a short coaching stint.

Old Haileybury, Old Ivanhoe, and University Blacks all won, and fill positions two, three and four respectively, with dominant Old Carey securing the minor premiership. Mark Bolton speared seven and Steven Flight six to catapult the Blacks from fifth to a finals commitment, while Brendan Huf kicked five for Old Carey, who will have next week to rest.

The Bloods farewelled Old Essendon with a massive 22 goal victory, with Brett Voss booting seven.

In Premier, the top four was locked without change, as Collegians, Old Xaverians, De La Salle and Uni Blues all won and finish in that order. Shura Taft kicked six in the Lions win over Marcellin.

In Premier C, Caulfield Grammarians beat Old Camberwell to secure the double chance, with Sean Meredith booting seven. Its second-semi opponent Beaumaris beat Old Geelong. AJAX got six from Jake Lew, beating Rupertswood, and meets the Wellers next week.

In Division 1, Werribee murdered Monash Blues, with six from Aaron Taylor . The good news for the Blues is that they retain second spot, the bad news being they face Werribee again next week. Shaun Payze snagged five as Peninsula humbled Whitefriars, but just failed to climb into second spot. James Wong got six for Williamstown CYMS as they defeated SMD (Sebastian Mahoney five) , but failed to get them into the four when North Old Boys St Pats beat Old Mentonians.

In Division 2, Eltham smashed Therry Penola and jumped off the cellar door. Sabastian Ciavola booted ten and Scott Clark five in the rout, while Matt Costello got five for the vanquished. St Mary’s Salesian and Prahran are relegated. Second placed Glen Eira lost to Emmaus St Leo’s but kept the double chance when Old Paradians lost to Old Westbourne, whom it will meet again next week in the knockout first semi.

In Qualifying Finals in Divisions 3 and 4, both favourites won.

La Trobe University was too strong for Power House in Div 3, with Stuey Patten getting five.

Mt Lilydale beat Manningham Cobras after a slow start, with Justin Roberts booting five.

Tomorrow there are Elimination Finals in Div 3 (Elsternwick v Albert Park at Scammell Reserve) and Div 4 (Eley Park v South Mornington at Vermont).

Sportscover Arena comes alive with Club XVIII Grand finals all day tomorrow.

14 AUGUST:

IVANHOE MISSES

The home and away season is complete in Divisions 3 and 4, and the finals combatants begin their preparations.

In Div 4, Eley Park beat Point Cook and held fifth spot. Nick Berlowitz kicked five as Box Hill North, which upset So. Mornington, with the Tigers retaining fourth. Sam McCallum slotted five as Manningham Cobras beat Richmond Central to secure third position. They will meet the Cider Men of Mt Lilydale, who beat the Razorbacks. Top ranked Monash Gryphons, with fourteen goalkickers, ended the season for the winless the Shoppers, thus earning a week off.

Division 3 saw Albert Park defeat Yarra Valley and jump over them and Ivanhoe, which was beaten by eight goals from Hawthorn’s David Tremowen, thus landing in fifth spot. Lachlan Bedingfield slipped through five as Elsternwick held fourth by upsetting second ranked La Trobe University. Minor premier St John’s, with sixteen goal scorers, scorched Kew. UHS-VU defeated West Brunswick, while Paul Edwards nailed ten as Power House held third spot when it defeated St Francis Xavier.

The three top teams all won their Premier games, though Old Xavs had to wait until late to ensure their victory against a never-say-die Old Scotch. De La Salle belted Old Brighton, while Collegians ensured Trinity hero Andrew Ramsden’s 300 will be a game he long forgets, routing the Green. The Brindisians beat Old Melburnians. Uni Blues pounded Marcellin.

Premier B leader Old Carey tipped St Kevin’s out of second spot at TH King. Julian Rowe booted seven and Jarrod Reid five for the Panthers. Old Haileybury, with five from Brett Voss, snatched second when it defeated Oakleigh. Uni Blacks stayed alive, but fifth, finishing St Bernard’s. Matt Hamilton-Ho snagged five as MHSOB upset Hampton Rovers. Old Ivanhoe retains fourth after defeating Old Essendon. Teams second through fifth are all equal on points and all will run out favourites next week. If the top four win, it is unlikely that Blacks will make it. Second and third will likely be decided on percentage.

Caulfield Grammarians lost top spot when it lost to AJAX, which is third on equal points. Beaumaris beat fourth-ranked Old Camberwell by a point and seized top spot. Rupertswood whacked Old Geelong, Mazenod with eight from Chamath Jayaweera hammered Parkdale Vultures. Ormond, celebrating Simon Keleher’s 200, tossed Fitzroy.

In Divison 1, South Melbourne Districts stunned Old Mentonians. Second-placed Monash Blues beat Williamstown CYMS, which allowed NOBSP to jump into fourth over the Seagulls with their narrow come-from-behind win over third placed Peninsula. Paul Florance nailed five as Bulleen Temp beat Whitfriars. Aquinas pushed top-rated Werribee, but didn’t get there in the end. Fourth spot will be decided next week.

Div 2 action abounded. Bentleigh edged Old Paradians, whose inaccuracy cost it second spot to Glen Eira, whose percentage remains below one hundred. The Eirans had five from Andrew Spink in their win over St Mary’s Salesian. Old Westbourne burned Eltham, which is in ninth. Emmaus St Leo’s hammered Prahran, which remains on the bottom and barring a massive win next week, bound for Div 3. Craig Horne shot six as Banyule slaughtered Therry Penola, whose season of hope has turned to despair on the back nine.

7 AUGUST:

• BLUES AGAIN IMPOTENT AS COLLS, DE LA, XAVS CRUISE
• BLACKS BEAT ST KEVIN’S
• ROYS UPSET FIELDS
• PIKEMEN OUTPOINT WICKERS
• LA TROBE TIPS OUT JOCs
• SLAMMIN’ SLOTS SIXTEEN

Uni Blues, until a fortnight ago the strongest offensive unit in Premier football, again struggled to find the sticks as it went down to top-ranked Collegians. The Lions kicked six in the opening term, which was more than enough to win the Watts Bros Derby at the Trott. Fergus Watts was sharp, booting six himself.
Across the road, Old Xavs were too slick for Old Melburnians, as Jon Mercuri put on a clinic. De La accounted for Old Trinity, St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers thumped Marcellin and Old Scotch returned to the winners’ list, putting Old Brighton on he relegation bus.

Premier B’s glamour outfit Old Carey was paced early by St Bernard’s, but booted twelve goals in the second half to the Snow Dogs’ one. Jarrod Reid slid through five.
Owen Weatherley kicked six and Adrian Delmonte five as Old Ivanhoe torched MHSOB after the first change. Dermot Cleary got six and Rodney Jetta five as Oakleigh trampled Old Essendon. Five goals from Jordan Foster got Uni Blacks home against St Kevin’s under the spires, further muddling the finals’picture.

Surging Premier C club Fitzroy held on to a win against the ladder leader when a shot on the siren from Caulfield Grammarians drew just a single calico. The Fieldsmen kicked just 2.6 after quarter time. Mazenod was steady in beating Old Geelong, Old Camberwell belted Parkdale Vultures, AJAX drubbed Ormond and Beaumaris got five from Tom Dean to humble Rupertswood.

In Division 1, Monash Blues whacked Peninsula, while Whitefriars didn’t have it all their own way in beating the soon-to-be-relegated South Melbourne Districts. Werribee, with six slots from Aaron Taylor, slapped Bulleen Templestowe. Williamstown CYMS got seven from Josh Vanderloo and won big over finals rival NOBSP, who had five from Todd Patterson. Old Mentonians edged Aquinas, but edged them off the cliff.

Div 2’s Therry Penola fell again, this time to Glen Eira who got a Michelle from Mark “Bangers” Dimashki. However, it got better for the Penolans when it learned that finals’ rival Old Westbourne had fallen to bootom placed Prahran. St Mary’s Salesian beat relegation rival Eltham, while Emmaus St Leo’s dumped Bentleigh back in it. At the top, Banyule whipped Old Paradians.

Division 3 La Trobe University got a six-pack from Stuey Patten and pulled level with St John’s at the top of the table when it beat them by a goal. Ivanhoe beat UHSVU, with Angelo Pace getting six. Power House edged Elsternwick in a low scoring affair, while Albert Park beat Kew. Warwick Baker kicked five as West Brunswick belted Hawthorn. Simon Gillin snagged five as Yarra Valley romped over SFX.

In Division 4, Eley Park’s Slammin’ Sammy Thomas kicked sixteen against Chadstone, which now seems likely to go through its second winless consecutive season. So. Mornington larruped Point Cook, Box Hill North dispatched a disappointing Richmond Central, Swinburne Uni smacked West Brunswick and the Cider Men of Mt Lilydale took out an in-form Manningham Cobras outfit, which is likely to be their first finals opponent

31 JULY: XAVS STILL SPORTSCOVER SUPERMEN

Old Xaverians pounded Uni Blues by 64 points on their favourite neutral turf to give themselves a good shot at the double chance, while consigning the Varsity to a first semi-final. Both teams went in without key players, Andrew Lowcock and Mark Paterson for Blues, and Xavs without Nick Wynne.

Elsewhere in Premier, De La Salle came home strongly to pummel Old Scotch, with Matt Moore and Sam Pickett kicking five apiece for the victors. Old Melburnians beat Marcellin on the back of six-packs from Tom Paule and Michael Davis. In a must-win game for Old Brighton, they managed only to split the points with Old Trinity at the Beach, perhaps ensuring their demotion. Collegians play St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers at HQ tomorrow.

In Premier B, Old Haileybury had a big win at the snakepit, beating St Bernard’s and Old Ivanhoe trounced Oakleigh with Adrian Delmonte and Nick Butler snagging Michelles. Old Carey beat Hampton Rovers after a tense first half, helped by six from Jarrod Reid. Uni Blacks walloped Old Essendon and St Kev’s smashed MHSOB.

In Premier C, Old Camberwell beat improvers Fitzroy by 10 points. Ormond hammered Parkdale Vultures, with seven from Tim Allan. Caulfield Grammarians pumped Old Geelong, with Brett Sinclair slotting nine. Jake Lew kicked six as AJAX shook off the Beaumaris challenge. Mazenod edged Rupertswood.

Peninsula humbled Williamstown CYMS in Division 1, with James Coghlan kicking seven and Shaun Payze five. Aquinas left it until late to seize the points against South Melbourne Districts. Kristian Cherbakof booted five as Bulleen Templestowe surprised Monash Blues and tipped them from second spot. Andrew Taylor kicked nine and Andrew Cunningham eight as Werribee mulched Old Mentonians. Whitefriars booted nine in the first, but only just held on to win over NOBSP.

In Div 2, Old Westbourne got home over St Mary’s Salesian, while Glen Eira tipped Prahran in a close one. Bentleigh tipped on free-falling Therry Penola, Paradians (David Boundy eight goals) hung on against Emmaus St Leo’s. Banyule beat Eltham with six from Ash “Hash” Brown.

Braden Latter kicked seven for West Brunswick as the Magpies disposed of SFX in Div 3. Ivanhoe were easy winners over Kew, while St John’s whacked Yarra Valley. Ben Thomson got five for Kew, but they fell to Ivanhoe. Albert Park had five from Paul Edwards, but it went down to Power House.

In Division 4, Sam McCallum kicked eighteen as red hot Manningham Cobras pulverised the Shoppers. Aaron Marsh dobbed six to see Point Cook home over No. Brunswick. In a high-scoring affair, Monash Gryphons avenged their early season defeat against the Cider Men of Mt Lilydale. Mike Malloy kicked six for the Gryphs and the Mounties had five from Justin Roberts. Swinburne Uni beat Richmond Central.

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24 JULY: CLOSE. AND NOT.

Tight finishes in some big games, but blowouts in others, as De La Salle tumbled out of first into third in Premier, while in Premier B, Old Carey firmed as flag favourite.

Old Brighton kept hopes for survival alive when it defeated Old Marcellin at the Beach. Collegians moved into first when they belted Old Scotch at Camberwell. Xavs mowed down St Bede’s Mentone Tigers at Toorak Park and took second spot, courtesy of the Varsity’s win over DLS at Sportscover.

In Premier B, Old Ivanhoe got up by four points against Old Haileybury at McKinnon, courtesy Nick Butler’s fifth and final goal just before the siren. Old Carey monstered finals aspirant Oakleigh, with Jarrod Reid slipping through nine. St Bernard’s put away Melbourne High School to improve its chances, with Nick Cooke and Pat Harris both snagging Michelles. Uni Blacks edged Hampton Rovers in a tight one under the spires despite six goals from Chris Gleeson while St Kevin’s had an eight goal win against Old Essendon.

In Premier C shocks, Mazenod shot down Caulfield Grammarians and AJAX fell to Old Camberwell, Warren Carlyle booting five for the Wellers.  Ross Borland kicked six as Fitzroy hammered Old Geelong. Beaumaris won comfortably over Ormond, and Rupertswood smacked Parkdale Vultures.

In Division 1, Michael “Spicy” Cardamone’s six saw Aquinas fall agonisingly short of Monash Blues. Alex Wood snared seven and Jimmy Coghlan five as Pensinsula trounced South Melbourne Districts. Chris Greenland slotted six as Whitefriars slammed Old Mentonians. Williamstown CYMS ran all over Bulleen Templestowe with James Wong tagging seven and front-runners Werribee belted NOBSP with Andrew Panayi slotting eight.

Despite Matt McWhinney’s five, Therry Penola went down to St Mary’s Salesian in a Div 2 shock, placing finals chances in some jeopardy. Old Paradians edged a dogged Prahran, Emmaus St Leo’s tipped Eltham in a close one and Banyule stayed comfortable with a big win over Glen Eira. Old Westbourne got over Bentleigh by fifteen points.

In Division 3, Elsternwick was too good for Albert Park. Power House continued its resurgence when it beat UHS-VU. Glen Costas jagged five as St John’s beat Ivanhoe, and Sam Savage slammed home seven as Yarra Valley upset La Trobe University. West Brunswick beat Kew and Hawthorn danced all over St Francis Xavier with David Tremowen slotting fourteen and Luke Piccolo.

Division 4 saw Box Hill North beat No. Brunswick courtesy of Dan Penny’s six. Brodie Hilet kicked five for Monash Gryphons in their win over So. Mornington, who had five from Will Spencer.  Point Cook got five from Tony Jofre, but Andy “The Wingman” Rodwell’s eleven saw the Cider Men of Mt Lilydale win big. Eley Park disposed of Richmond Central, which has been sinking in recent weeks. Damon Green and Mitchell Hodgson had matching six-packs as the Razorbacks mauled the Shoppers.

17 JULY: In a round that may have serious ramifications on finals spots, upsets and near upsets were the order of the day.

In Premier C, Fitzroy, on the back of five goals from Jimmy O'Reilly, upset Beaumaris at Shark Park. The Lions won by 26 points after a five-goals-to-none third stanza. The loss might have cost Beauy second spot. Not so, as Mazenod whacked AJAX, with Chamath Jayaweera booting eight in Nodders' 47 point triumph. Old Camberwell kept finals hopes on track when they beat Ormond after a tight first half. Andrew Slevison slotted seven as Caulfield Grammarians were untroubled by Rupertswood. Ryan McEvoy kicked five for Old Geelong but it wasn't enough to get them over Parkdale, who broke their duck.

In Division 1, Monash Blues belted Whitefriars, while Williamstown CYMS pole-axed Old Mentonians, getting five from Steve Barlow, Bulleen Temp spread the goals in punting South Melbourne Districts. Werribee won comfortably on the back of Aaron Taylor's five, defeating Peninsula despite six from Jimmy Coghlan. NOBSP got ten from Todd Patterson and five from Daniel Tonkin as it danced all over Aquinas.

Division 2 featured a big comeback from Therry Penola which avoided what would have been a critical loss when it crawled over Prahran, coming from twenty-seven points adrift at lemon-time. Glen Eira beat Eltham, Adam Barclay's six was enough to see Banyule home over Bentleigh and the Killer Bees David Boundy and Peter Brabender kicking five each again as Paradians came home all over St May's Salesians. Emmaus St Leo's hurt Old Westbourne's chances.

Happenings in Division 3 included La Trobe beating Albert Park after the latter wasted plenty of opportunities. Ben Plowman kicked five for Ivanhoe, but they were stung by Yarra Valley. Power House edged West Brunswick, St John's got five from Rhys Dyker in defeating Hawthorn, who received five from David Tremowen. Dhugal Bedingfield slotted nine as Elsternwick belted Kew. St Francis Xavier broke through, defeating UHSVU and denting their aspirations.

Laynton Allan slotted seven as Division 4's Monash Gryphons slapped Eley Park. Box Hill North annihilated Chadstone,the Shoppers now the sole winless senior VAFA team. Tom Wall bagged six as the Cider Men maintained top spot after nudging North Brunswick, which celebrated Darren Adams' 500. Manningham Cobras defeated South Mornington comfortably, improving their chances of third spot. Point Cook beat the Stationmasters, reversing their R1 result.

10 JULY:  The rain in large part stayed away and so did the crowds as windswept contests were the order of today’s round of VAFA football.

Caulfield Grammarians winning streak went to eleven, but Beaumaris ensured it went no further today. The Premier C leader fell at Shark Park in an exciting but low scoring affair. High-flying AJAX had five more from David Fayman as they pelted Parkdale Vultures, Fitzroy continued their strong form in upsetting Mazenod, Old Camberwell accounted for Old Geelong, while Rupertswood barely fired a shot after half-time and was over-run by Ormond.

In Premier football, Uni Blues had a dozen score goals in another powerful display to put away Old Brighton, Collegians’ ten goal second stanza was enough to see them beat Old Melburnians, Trinity managed just one point after the first break to lose to Old Xavs, who got five from Brendan "Little China" Goss. De La Salle had the game won at quarter-time after scoring four goals into it at Brindisi Street, where the undermanned St Bede’s /Mentone Tigers fell further from contention. Marcellin plays Old Scotch at Sportscover tomorrow at 1:15pm.

In Premier B, Old Carey got six from Jarrod Reid to knock Old Haileybury from their perch. St Kevin’s was an all the way winner against Oakleigh at Scammell Reserve. St Bernard’s had a massive into the wind third term to steal the win against Hampton Rovers, who got five from Daniel Corp. Old Ivanhoe couldn’t get the job done in the gale at home against Uni Blacks, whose goals into the wind at the right time made all the difference. Old Essendon virtually ensured it would avoid the spoon when it torched MHSOB.

In Div 1, Peninsula had to make up a first half deficit to tip Bulleen-Templestowe, and James Coghlan’s five did the trick. South Melbourne Districts frightened NOBSP, who survived on the strength of their good final term. Andy Cunningham got five as Werribee pasted Whitefriars. Alex McKenzie kicked six as Monash Blues walloped Old Mentonians, while Aquinas surrendered its first quarter lead and went down to Williamstown CYMS.

In Division 2, St Mary’s Salesian reversed last year’s grand final result and put away the sinking Bentleigh. Glen Eira began well and stayed the distance in a low scoring win over Old Westbourne. Therry Penola was smashed by Old Paradians, with the Killer Bees Boundy and Brabender booting five each. Prahran upset Eltham, with the Two Blues consistency and the Turtles’ shocking inaccuracy contributing.

St John’s narrowly beat Power House in Division3. UHS-VU edged Yarra Valley, Albert Park decimated West Brunswick, and Hawthorn defeated Kew in the local derby. Elsternwick continued their push in defeating Ivanhoe, while St Francis Xavier’s shocking losing stretch is now at thirteen after it lost to La Trobe.

In Division 4, Sam McCallum and Nat Pentland high fived as Manningham thrashed Point Cook. Monash Gryphons danced all over North Brunswick with Dan Wills snaring a Michelle. Swinburne won an even contest over Ely Park. The unbeaten Cider Men got five from free-scoring wingman Andy Rodwell in beating Box Hill North, while So. Mornington disposed easily of Chadstone. The Shoppers’ L streak is approaching two years.

3 JULY: XAVS TUMBLE FROM TOP, PREMIER B LADDER THINS, UPSETS ABOUND.

Plenty of upsets, plenty of bags, despite shocking conditions around the grounds . . .

Collegians won their third straight against Old Xaverians and tipped the reigning premier from top spot to third. The Lions were at their best, tackling hard and forcing the Xavs to the widths and making it hard for them to score. Uni Blues danced over Old Trinity, De La pumped Marcellin and Old Melburnians (Michael Davis five slots) returned to the winners' list and put another nail in Old Brighton's coffin.

In Premier B, four clubs share the leadership with eight wins. Jarrod Reid nailed five as Carey walloped Uni Blacks and Oakleigh outlasted St Bernard's despite Pat Harris' six goals.  St Kevin's whacked Old Ivanhoe and Haileybury took care of Melbourne High, with Jackson Coleman booting six. Those four winners now hold the four tickets. St Bernard's and Old Ivanhoe are a game back, Hampton Rovers and Uni Blacks two back, while Old Essendon and Melbourne High School OB are headed south.

In Premier C, Rupertswood got five from Leigh Brennan and Jared Pretty in their victory over Old Camberwell, who got five from Jack Duke. Old Geelong edged Ormond, AJAX (David Fayman another five) shook off Fitzroy, Beaumaris outlasted Mazenod and five from Justin Perkins led Caulfield Grammarians to a big win over Parkdale. Old Geelong was just tipped out by Ormond.

In Division 1, Bulleen Temp's Kristian Cherbakof kicked five, enough to defeat Old Mentonians who got seven from Brent Fairbanks. Peninsula had five from Shaun Payze, more than enough to see them home over Aquinas. Whitefriars upset Will CYMS on the back of Ash Woods' five. Werribee won by 215 points against South Melbourne districts, and had multiple baggers - Andrew Cunningham with seven, Aaron Taylor six , and five each from Andrew Panayi and Chris Scudamore. North Old Boys' St Pats got up over Monash Blues on the back of five from Todd Patterson.

In Div 2, promising youngster Peter Brabender had a Michelle as Paradians swarmed all over Glen Eira, holding them scoreless in the last. Prahran upset St Mary's Salesian, Banyule shaded Old Westbourne, Eltham beat a fading Bentleigh, and Emmaus St Leo's shocked Therry Penola.

In Div 3, Russ Yeo's five couldn't get Yarra Valley home against Elsternwick, whose past players gathered en masse on the eastern wing to mourn Graham Holmes. Tommy Godsell kicked seven as UHS-VU beat Kew, despite five from Chad Watts. West Brunswick defeated St John's in a massive boilover, coming from behind to grab the points. La Trobe University also lowered its colours, to Power House. David Tremowen slammed nine, but Hawthorn fell to Albert Park, who had six from Tom King. St Francis Xavier stayed winless, losing to Ivanhoe.

In Division 4, Manningham Cobras beat No. Brunswick, So. Mornington beat Swinburne, and Eley Park got six from Sam Thomas, torching Box Hill North. Monash Gryphons made life worse for Richmond Central.

26 JUNE: IRISH, SCOTTISH NOT SKITTISH ON A WINTER DAY

It was too cold for kilts, but a grand day for Celts nonetheless. Old Scotch pulled the tartan over Old Melburnians at Camberwell, while Alex McKenzie slotted thirteen in Monash Blues’ thirty goal demolition of South Melbourne Districts. Outdone, but only just, was Sam McCallum, who nailed eleven as Manningham Cobras locked out the Shoppers.

Premier’s rivalry round saw Uni Blues win comfortably over St Bede’s Mentone Tigers, Old Scotch take the 1858 clash by five goals, while recently slumping Collegians are back in the W column after defeating Old Brighton in a low scoring affair.

The biggest stories in Premier were told at Bulleen, where Marcellin broke through for their first win of they year, with the Eagles under Leigh Carlson sinking his former club Old Trinity. At Toorak Park, Old Xaverians sans a number of headliners, came home with a vengeance to topple De La Salle in a victory that even the hardest-to-please diehards ranked as “memorable”.

In Premier B, Old Ivanhoe handed top spot to Old Carey when it succumbed to them by seventy-six points. Brett Voss kicked another five as Old Haileybury had St Kevin’s on the rack by lemon-time. Uni Blacks accounted for Melbourne High School Old Boys, Oakleigh held off Hampton Rovers at the Boss after the home team threatened and St Bernard’s shook off a determined Old Essendon. Carey sits atop on percentage with seven wins from eleven. The Snow Dogs, also on seven wins, are sixth.

Old Camberwell survived a second-half challenge from Mazenod to win by three points in Premier C. Beaumaris bested Parkdale Vultures after a tight first half. AJAX, with David Fayman booting eight, torched Old Geelong, who fell on to the doorway to departure when Fitzroy surprised Rupertswood. Caulfield Grammarians stayed perfect behind Brett Sinclair’s (another Celt!) five goal BOG performance, accounting for temporary co-tenant Ormond. who got five from Rob Chisholm.  

Werribee was defeated for the first time when it fell to Williamstown CYMS in the Western Derby. Monash Blues’ Ryan Parsons nailed six to assist the aforementioned McKenzie put the hurt on South Melbourne Districts in Division 1. Peninsula held out Old Mentonians, Aquinas toppled Whitefriars in the Maroondah Derby, NOBSP caned Bulleen Temp with Todd Patterson stabbing nine.

In Division 2, Bangers Dimashki kicked six to see Glen Eira home by a point over Bentleigh. Sam Richardson kicked six for the Turtles, but Eltham fell to Paradians. Emmaus St Leo’s kicked six in the final term to steal the points from St Mary’s Salesian. Another Scot Matt McWhinney emptied his six-gun as Therry Penola beat Old Westbourne, while ladder leader Banyule carved Prahran.

Div 3 table topper St John’s got six from Chris “Fo" Cachia and five from Rohan Scott as they thumped SFX. Yarra Valley belted Kew, UHS-VU smote West Brunswick and La Trobe University rounded on Ivanhoe. Power House won the Lakeside Derby over Albert Park, and Elsternwick beat Hawthorn. 

Laynton Allan kicked seven and Dan Wills five as the Gryphs wasted Swinburne in Division 4. Jason Irish booted four (not a Scot, one presumes) as Box Hill North took care of the Stationmasters and stayed in the finals’ race. North Brunswick belted Point Cook to ruin an OK week for Julia Gillard, the Cobras were big over Chaddy and the Cider Men won with some comfort over Eley Park though details are not yet to hand.

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19 JUNE:TWO MORE TUMBLE

Two more undefeated teams fell in top of the table clashes and other ladder leaders lowered their colours as VAFA club football resumed.

In Premier, De La Salle doubled Collegians’ score and sent them to third place, with Old Xaverians moving to second. The percentage rich Uni Blues added some more interest to their account when they wiped Old Melburnians at the Junction. St Bede’s/Mentone Tigers accounted for Old Brighton while Trinity swept away a struggling Old Scotch.

In Premier B, Owen Weatherley kicked five as Old Ivanhoe finished on top of Hampton Rovers, who got five from Chris Gleeson. The Hoes took top spot as St Kevin’s went down to St Bernard’s at the Snakepit in a game that seemed destined to go to the wire, but didn’t. Five third quarter goals and six overall from Brett Voss got Haileybury back into it but Uni Blacks were too strong in the end.

Caulfield Grammarians remained undefeated in Premier C but had to work hard to overcome Fitzroy. David Fayman booted eight for AJAX, who edged Rupertswood. Tim Bourbon booted five as Mazenod beat Ormond. Matt Petering got five for Beaumaris as they were untroubled by Old Geelong.

Willy CY’s Josh Vanderloo collected a dozen as his team smashed South Melbourne Districts in Division 1. Brent Fairbanks added another five for Old Mentonians, who squeaked in against Whitefriars, who had six from Chris Greenland. Werribee remained unbeaten on the back of Aaron Taylor’s eight slots. NOBSP upset Peninsula at the home of football, while five from Kristian Cherbakof wasn’t enough for Bulleen-Temp to get over Monash Blues.

Div 2’s Bentleigh fell again, this time to Old Westbourne, who delivered the only thing resembling an upset. Banyule retained top spot defeating Eltham, and all other games went according to seed.

La Trobe Uni lost its first, going down to St John’s in a much-anticipated clash. Yarra Valley accounted for a spiraling Power House, while St Francis Xavier remains winless after losing to Albert Park. Dave Thrift’s six fired West Brunswick to victory over Kew.

Aaron Marsh hit eleven as Point Cook romped over Chadstone in Div 4. South Mornington was too strong for Richmond Central in the battle of the black and yellow, and the something’s-got-to-give clash at Mt Lilydale saw the Cider Men squeeze Monash Gryphons in a ripper.

5 JUNE: WEATHER FAIR AND FOUL

On a pleasant day that turned nasty over much of Melbourne, table-toppers Collegians (Premier) and Banyule (Division 1) crashed to massive defeats. As clubs wind down for the QBH weekend, across the seven senior competitions, there are five unbeaten teams and four that have yet to win a game.

In Premier, Uni Blues obliterated the previously unbeaten Lions in a staggering display under the spires. The Varsity won by 108 points, doing most of the damage before the heavens opened. Old Xaverians’ flying start stunned Old Melburnians, who came hard in the second term but never threatened to steal the game. Old Scotch, backs hard against the wall, did for the tenacious Old Brighton at the shore with a strong second half. Paul Wintle dobbed six as St Bede’s Mentone Tigers clubbed Marcellin and De La was never troubled by Old Trinity and snatched top spot.

Three games separate first and eighth after nine rounds of Premier B. St Bernard’s lowered its colours at the Snakepit to Old Carey, who got a Michelle from Brendan "Puff ‘n" Huf. St Kevin’s pulled away from Uni Blacks after quarter time, with Matt "Cannon" Shannon slotting five and elevating SKOB to top spot. Old Haileybury never allowed Old Essendon any real opportunity, while Guy Martyn and Chris Gleeson had high fives as Hampton Rovers beat struggling MHSOB. Tim Edwards went cinqo as Oakleigh outscored Old Ivanhoe seven-goals-to-one in the second half to win the day.

In Premier C, Rupertswood gave Old Geelong a toweling, and Mazenod whipped winless Parkdale Vultures. Old Camberwell took care of Fitzroy while Beaumaris was too strong for Ormond. In a contest of top-weights, Caulfied Grammarians edged AJAX.

Bulleen Templestowe belted Division 1 cellar-dweller South Melbourne Districts behind Peter Voglis and Kristian Cherbackof, who divided a dozen. Werribee came home unscathed as Aaron Taylor kicked five in their big win over Peninsula. Aquinas struggled again and fell to Old Mentonians. Todd Patterson kicked fseven as NOBSP roared past Whitefriars, who had held a narrow lead at the half. Monash Blues slapped Williamstown CYMS.

In Division 2, Glen Eira got eight from Mark "Bangers" Demashki and defeated Prahran. Ilya Fridman booted five as Bentleigh rebounded to beat raked Therry Penola. St Mary’s Salesian beat Eltham by a point after trailing by same at lemon-time. Five each from Chris Hudson and Mark Dorricott helped Old Westbourne to a massive win over Emaaus St Leo’s. Old Paradians took control over Banyule in the second term and got five from Allan Young to bring them home comfortably.

Elsternwick came from behind to shade Kew in a close one in Division 3. UHS-VU, with Mitch Sweeney and Rick Watts kicking five apiece, shellacked a hapless St Francis Xavier. Alex Ross got six as La Trobe University had a three figure win over West Brunswick, while Damon Wood’s five paced Ivanhoe over Power House. Hawthorn came home the stronger to take the points over Yarra Valley. In-form St John’s kept Albert Park at bay all afternoon to stay on the Trobers’ heels.

The balance of power in Division 4 is unchanged after the Stationmasters clipped North Brunswick, Manningham Cobras overcame Swinburne, and Box Hill North ploughed Chadstone. The Cider Men got six from Justin Roberts as they overcame So. Mornington while Monash Gryphons defeated Ely Park.

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29 MAY: COMEBACKS KING ON A SUPER SATURDAY

Old Melburnians wiped away a 38 point deficit and blew past a becalmed Old Trinity at Marles. Old Brighton came back from despair to level the scores against De La Salle at the 22 minute mark of the final term before the Dees steadied and grabbed the points.

Collegians shook of a determined St Bede’s Mentone Tigers at the Trott, while Xavs extended their winning streak to eleven against Old Scotch, whose last quarter saved them from an ugly hiding. Twin towers Matt Handley and Dan rush both kicked five. Marcellin fell away after a big effort last week and were torched by Uni Blues to the tune of twenty-six goals. Andrew "Ace" Lowcock dobbed eight and Jack Watts five.

In Premier B, Owen Weatherley booted eight to hoist Old Ivanhoe home over Old Essendon. St Bernard’s stormed over to beat Uni Blacks with Danny Byrne slotting five. Old Carey walloped Melbourne High (Jarrod Reid six) and Old Haileybury got home against a plucky Oakleigh. St Kevin’s got six from Tom McPherson as they defeated Hampton rovers going away.

In Premier C, Beaumaris squeaked home against Rupertswood with Chris Langdon nailing six. AJAX beat Old Camberwell with Jake Lew scoring five for the winners and Warren Carlyle five for the vanquished. Darren Rochford kicked eight, but it wasn't enough to get Parkdale Vultures home against Old Geelong, who got nine from Ryan McEvoy. Ormond emerged the winner in the final term of their Sportscover Arena contest. Brett Sinclair slammed home eight as unbeaten Caulfield Grammarians accounted easily for Mazenod.

James Wong booted nine for Division 1 Williamstown CYMS as they defeated Bulleen-Templestowe. Whitefriars scored in a close one against Monash Blues. Old Mentonians’ Brent Fairbanks kicked six, but his team went down narrowly to Werribee. Peninsula defeated South Melbourne Districts with comfort, while Aquinas edged North Old Boys/St Pat’s.

In Division 2, Harmit Singh’s seven slots saw St Mary’s Salesian beat Old Paradians. Matt Costello kicked seven in Therry Penola’s narrow victory over Glen Eira. Banyule’s twelve goal second term saw them destroy Bentleigh by 101 points. Kyle "Ferris" Shepard-Mueller and Robert Iaconis had a six-pack each. Emmaus St Leo’s edged Prahran.

St John’s trounced Ivanhoe on the back of five from Rohan Scott in Division 3. Yarra Valley slammed West Brunswick, and Mitch Sweeney’s five served UHS/VU as they overcame a slumping Power House. Hawthorn got five from Dave Trenowen as they defeated Kew. Latrobe had big contributors in Thomas Harding (six) and Alex Ross (five) as they beat St Francis Xavier. Brendan Murnane got five as Albert Park roared home to flatten Elsternwick.

In Div 4, Will Spencer and Rob Wilson kicked five each as So. Mornington beat Point Cook, who got another five from Aaron Marsh. Monash Gryphons obliterated Chadstone by 211 point, with Laynton Allan kicking six and Jill-Ivan Nuguid five. Box Hill North upset Swiburne Uni, getting eight apiece from Daniel Penny and Leon Desmond. Matt Bourke kicked six for Eley Park as the Sharks ripped North Brunswick. Luke Jamieson kicked five as the Stationmasters got home over Manningham Cobras, who got nine from Sam McCallum.

Caulfield Grammarians winning streak went to eleven, but Beaumaris ensured it went no further today. The Premier C leader fell at Shark Park in an exciting but low scoring affair. High-flying AJAX had five more from David Fayman as they pelted Parkdale Vultures, Fitzroy continued their strong form in upsetting Mazenod, Old Camberwell accounted for Old Geelong, while Rupertswood barely fired a shot after half-time and was over-run by Ormond.

In Premier football, Uni Blues had a dozen score goals in another powerful display to put away Old Brighton, Collegians’ ten goal second stanza was enough to see them beat Old Melburnians, Trinity managed just one point after the first break to lose to Old Xavs, who got five from Brendan "Little China" Goss. De La Salle had the game won at quarter-time after scoring four goals into it at Brindisi Street, where the undermanned St Bede’s /Mentone Tigers fell further from contention. Marcellin plays Old Scotch at Sportscover tomorrow at 1:15pm.

In Premier B, Old Carey got six from Jarrod Reid to knock Old Haileybury from their perch. St Kevin’s was an all the way winner against Oakleigh at Scammell Reserve. St Bernard’s had a massive into the wind third term to steal the win against Hampton Rovers, who got five from Daniel Corp. Old Ivanhoe couldn’t get the job done in the gale at home against Uni Blacks, whose goals into the wind at the right time made all the difference. Old Essendon virtually ensured it would avoid the spoon when it torched MHSOB.

In Div 1, Peninsula had to make up a first half deficit to tip Bulleen-Templestowe, and James Coghlan’s five did the trick. South Melbourne Districts frightened NOBSP, who surbvived on the strength of their good final term. Andy Cunningham got five as Werribee pasted Whitefriars. Alex McKenzie kicked six as Monash Blues walloped Old Mentonians, while Aquinas surrendered its first quarter lead and went down to Williamstown CYMS.

In Division 2, St Mary’s Salesian reversed last year’s grand final result and put away the sinking Bentleigh. Glen Eira began well and stayed the distance in a low sscooring win over Old Westbourne. Therry Penola was smashed by Old Paradians, with the Killer Bees Boundy and Brabender booting five each. Prahran upset Eltham, with the Two Blues consistency and the Turtles’ shocking inaccuracy contributing.

St John’s narrowly beat Power House in Division3. UHS-VU edged Yarra Valley, Albert Park decimated West Brunswick, and Hawthorn defeated Kew in the local derby. Elsternwick continued their push in defeating Ivanhoe, while St Francis Xavier’s shocking losing stretch is now at thirteen after it lost to La Trobe.

In Division 4, Sam McCallum and Nat Pentland high fived as Manningham thrashed Point Cook. Monash Gryphons danced all over North Brunswick with Dan Wills snaring a Michelle. Swinburne won an even contest over Ely Park. The unbeaten Cider Men got five from free-scoring wingman Andy Rodwell in beating Box Hill North, while So. Mornington disposed easily of Chadstone. The Shoppers’ L streak is approaching two years.