De La dream alive, Blues narrowly escape OMs

Old Trinity held St Bernard’s to just four goals as they registered their fifth consecutive victory, running out 57-point winners at Daley Oval. Seven goals to one in the first term set the scene for the T’s, with Seb Nicolosi returning to the line-up for the first time since June 18 and posting four goals. Ed Weatherson, Brendan Iezzi and Jack Osborn kicked two each as they displayed the T’s goal kicking depth through the midfield, while Andrew Kyriacopoulos starred in a best-on-ground performance. Michael Caven (two) kicked half of the Snow Dogs’ goals while brother Simon and Michael Angel were named their best, but they remain in ninth spot on the ladder and a game behind the Lions in eighth.

16 goals to one in the opening three quarters has helped Old Xaverians to their seventh straight victory as they rolled Old Carey by 69 points at Carey Sports Complex. Despite a seven-goal resurgence by the Panthers in the final term, the Xavs’ lead was far too prominent as Tyson Thomas (three), Tom Anderson (three) and Robert Ralph (three) combined for nine majors and half of their side’s goals. Both Anderson and Thomas were named best afield for the Xavs, while Cameron Jones, Sam Cust and Mitchell Nixon (four) stood firm for the Panthers. The Xavs’ percentage of 145.77% is far and away the highest in William Buck Premier, almost 16% above their nearest rival Uni Blacks (129.88%).

Collegians were unable to capitalise on a dominant second term and go two games clear of St Bernard’s as they fell to University Blacks by 24 points at Harry Trott Oval. Trailing by 27 at quarter time, the Lions drew level at the half via four unanswered goals to Will Johnson, Dom Russo and Tom Penberthy. However, they went goalless for the next two quarters (three in total) as Adam Pitt, Brent Sheahan and Hugh Curnow helped the Blacks to three unanswered goals to close out the match. Tyrone Bean and Angus Locke kicked two each for the fourth-placed Blacks, while Christian Middleton and Will Tardif joined Johnson as the Lions’ best.

University Blues narrowly avoided their first loss in four weeks as they held on to defeat a fast-finishing Old Melburnians by six points at Uni Oval. Leading by 18 at the last break, the Blues allowed three goals to one in the final term as Stu Watson and Theo Rosenthal led the OM’s charge. Clayton Hinkley and Angus Nice starred for the Blues, while Caleb Tiller and Tom McKenzie kicked two each. The loss means the end of the OM’s finals run in 2016 as they fall two and a half games outside the four with just two matches remaining.

De La Salle kept their finals dreams alive as they snapped a five-game losing streak with a comprehensive 69-point win against St Kevin’s at Waverley Oval. In just his second game for the season, Callum Dooley booted six goals in a match-winning performance, while Tom Humphrey and Hugh Nicholson kicked three each. Jake Williams and Daniel Keely were at their very best for De La, while Lachlan Sullivan and Rohan Bail did their utmost for SKOB. The win keeps De La in touch with the top four as they sit a game and a fair chunk of percentage behind Blacks.