William Buck Premier – Xavs, Handley maul Lions

St Bernards managed to hold strong against a fast-finishing University Blues outfit and win by six points at St Bernards College. Leading by 13 points at the last break, Bernards allowed three goals to two in the fourth quarter as the Tom Quinn-led Blues rallied for one final crack at the ladder-leaders. Chad Jones kicked four majors for Bernards, while Quinn continued his red-hot Big V form from two weeks ago and snagged four in the loss.

Old Xaverians used the extended mid-season break to their advantage as they snapped a two-match losing streak with a 43-point win against Collegians at Harry Trott Oval. Led by key forward Matthew Handley, the Xavs blew the Lions out of the water with a five goal to one third term and never allowed them back into the match. Handley’s five-goal haul was the highlight, while Louis Denton was awarded best-on-ground. The loss leaves the Collegians floating in seventh position on the ladder and just one game clear of relegation.

De La Salle continued their mid-season resurgence with a comfortable 29-point win against Old Scotch at Waverley Oval. Leading by just one major at the first break, De La were able to put the foot down with a seven goal to four second quarter and ultimately put the match out of the Cardinals reach. Xavier Murphy and Leigh Harrison were the main destroyers for the home side, kicking four goals each in the win. The victory places De La one ladder position ahead of the Cardinals, but both still face relegation as they sit eighth and ninth on the William Buck Premier ladder, respectively.

Old Carey inflicted more pain upon Beaumaris’ 2015 season, belting the struggling side by 87 points at Carey Sports Complex this afternoon. A 14-goal opening half for the Panthers did the damage as the Sharks failed to make an impact on the scoreboard throughout the entirety of the match. Julian Rowe was once again at his best, piling on four goals for the Panthers. The win leaves the Panthers a game clear of the Xavs in third position on the ladder, while the Sharks continue to bring up the tail.

Old Trinity continued their chase for top spot on the William Buck Premier ladder, defeating University Blacks by four goals at Melbourne University. Led by recent Big V representatives Gabe Hamilton, Ned Hunt and Jake Steinhart, the T’s shook off a tightly contested opening quarter and kicked nine goals to the Blacks’ five for the remainder of the match. Alastair Robbins did his utmost to halt the T’s momentum by kicking three majors for the Blacks. The win leaves the T’s in second position, with only percentage the difference between them and Bernards, while the Blacks sit precariously in fifth and only one game ahead of the Blues and Lions.