De La in the winners’ column, Blues claim Uni Derby

Collegians claimed top spot on the William Buck Premier ladder with a comprehensive 78-point victory against Beaumaris at Banksia Reserve. The off-season recruits starred in the first two rounds of the season and today was no different, with Corey Cassidy (three), Lachie Ferguson (three), Nick Dixon (two), Kyle Emley, Kenny Ong and Kalem Post each having an impact. Six goals to two in the opening term gave the Lions an insurmountable 26-point buffer of which they increased at the end of every quarter. Rob Cathcart (one) and Scott Braithwaite (two) continued their standout form for the Sharks and Tom Dean produced his strongest outing for the year. The Sharks are sitting in eighth position with a percentage of 57.35.

A five-goal haul from Matt Handley helped Old Xaverians to their third consecutive victory as they defeated St Bedes/Mentone Tigers by 48 points at Brindisi St Oval. The Xavs came out strong and piled on 11 first-half goals, taking a 32-point lead into the half-time break. The Tigers were unable to get back into the match as they went goalless in the third, but kicked four in the last to the Xavs’ five. Nick Wynne and Clay Johnston (one) joined Handley as the Xavs’ best, while Jaryd Robertson, Josh Cowan and Chris Richards (two) were the best for the Tigers.

University Blues got the better of their long-standing rivals in the first Uni Derby of the season, defeating the Blacks by 18 points. Leading by just nine points at the first break, the Blues kicked four goals to one in the second and held 29-point buffer at the half. The Blacks hit back with seven goals to four in the second half but couldn’t get past the in-form Blues. Connor Lappin starred for the second consecutive week and Tim Geappen (two), Clayton Hinkley (two), Ross Young (two) Kieran Harper (two) each hit the scoreboard for the Blues. Joel Ernest (three) was deadly in front of goal for the Blacks, while Jordan Quaile and Charlie Richardson led the second half fightback.

A six-goal to two final quarter helped De La Salle to their first win of the season as they ran over Old Melburnians by 28 points at Sportscover Arena. With just four points separating the two sides at the main break, Jason Tutt and Sam Haslem led the charge as De La took control of the match. Sean Fisher (three), Adrian Indovino (three) and Ed Clinch (three) were the main recipients in front of goal for De La, while Cameron Banfield (three) and Nick De Steiger (one) were the best for OMs. The win takes De La to sixth spot on the ladder, one position above OMs.

St Kevin’s produced their most impressive performance of the season to date, defeating Old Trinity by 39 points at TH King Oval. Neither side kicked accurately in the first half but 19 scoring shots to eight gave SKOB a 36-point lead at the main break. Luther Juric and Anthony Scott led the T’s third-term comeback, with the slick left-footer nailing 3.2 and helping to bring the T’s to within 12 points at three quarter time. However, SKOB proved too strong down the stretch and kicked five goals to one in the final term, with Gerard Gleeson (one) and Zac Ginies (five) leading the charge. Nick Wood continued his standout season and Steven Salopek returned for a successful first match back after announcing his retirement last year. Young T’s ruckman, Harry Thompson, fought hard against Mark Jamar all day in a standout display. The T’s played a man down when Nick Meerman went off with injury in the first quarter as did SKOB.