ANZAC Day: William Buck Premier

ANZAC services took place rain, hail or shine across Melbourne in William Buck Premier as VAFA players stood to reflect and pay respect to the service men and women that have fought and died for Australia in conflicts around the world.

Melbourne University Football Club was the hardest hit of clubs in terms of casualties that never returned home from the Great War of 1914-1918 and in the Melbourne Uni derby, both Blacks and Blues were keen to pay their respects. A brilliant ceremony of remembrance preceded the match at University Oval. A strong start to the match by Blacks was eventually snuffed out by Blues who extended their advantage at every change to eventually win a derby fizzer by 62 points. Xavier McMahon booted three goals for Blues, but the reality was that Blues had winners on every line. Blacks were held goalless for the second half and only managed three goals for the day.

Old Trinity have surely proven themselves now, as the T’s registered their third straight win over an in-form Old Carey at Dunshea. Old Trinity had three goals from Ben Howell as they stunned the home side in the second half to win by 31 points.

De La Salle trailed Old Xaverians all day. From the first siren, to the final siren, De La were never in front. A Leigh Harrison set shot after the siren meant they stole the lead to get their first four points of 2015 with a splendid three point win at Toorak Park. Leigh Harrison and Xavier Murphy both booted three goals for the victorious visitors whilst Matt Handley snared three of his own for Xavs.

St Bernard’s and Beaumaris defied the wet conditions across Melbourne to complete a relatively high scoring game compared to other grounds. The Bernies prevailed in the end by 27 points as they unveiled their new ground and facilities. Beaumaris can be pleased with their efforts but they are ultimately yet to sing the song in 2015. Alex Boyse bagged four goals in the win, whilst also kicked four in a losing cause.

Old Scotch showed their first two weeks were no fluke as the Cardinals dispensed with Collegians at Camberwell by 30 points. Ed Furey and Jono Daggian each booted three in the win. The Lions meanwhile find themselves in quite the predicament. Both they and their opponent in last year’s Grand Final are winless after three, making next week’s Round 4 clash between Collegians and Blacks at the Trott a tantalising prospect.