Bernards claim top spot, Blues, Old Scotch, De La comeback

Nick Armistead

Old Scotch fought back from 29 points down at three-quarter time to record an enthralling five-point win over Collegians at Harry Trott Oval. Trailing at every break throughout the match, the Cardinals never-say-die attitude saw them pile on six goals to nil in the final term and snap their six-game losing streak. Former Melbourne Demon James Strauss led the comeback in a best-on-ground performance, while James Sansom kicked three majors. The win leaves the Cardinals in eighth position on the ladder and causes the Lions to fall two spots to seventh.

In another thrilling William Buck Premier match, the University Blues ran over Old Carey by the smallest of margins at Melbourne University Oval. In similar fashion to Old Scotch, the Blues trailed at every change before a 4.5 to 4.3 last quarter saw them prevail as one-point winners over their more fancied opponents. Cameron Williams was the star in their comeback, while Julian Rowe gave his everything for the Panthers with four goals to his name. The win is significant in relation to the finals race as it pushes the Blues into the top four and on the same amount of wins as four other sides.

The match of the round between St Bernards and Old Trinity lived up to every expectation, with the second-placed Bernards prevailing by six points and knocking the T’s off the top of the William Buck Premier ladder. After a tight opening term, Bernards gained the ascendancy in the second through a dominant centre clearance display and led by 10 points at the main break. After half-time they were able to maintain the lead thanks to a best-on-ground performance from Alexander Boyse, as well as a high class contribution from Sam Woods. Nick Roberts stood tall for the T’s, who now fall behind Bernards on the ladder due to percentage; two games clear of Old Carey in third.

University Blacks returned to the winners table with a 13-point win over Old Xaverians at Toorak Park this afternoon. A six goal to three opening term set up the win for the Blacks, who now move above the Xavs and into fifth position on the ladder. Joel Ernest was the star in front of goal with four majors, while Chris Larkins kicked four of his own for the losing side.

De La Salle recorded their second win for the season in spectacular fashion, coming back from more than seven goals down in the first quarter to run out 46-point winners over Beaumaris at Waverly Oval. Trailing by 35 at the half, De La piled on 14 goals to one in the second half in an extraordinary display of courageous football. Tom Curry and Sam Williams were the main men for De La, while Adrian Indovino contributed with four majors.