De La book finals, Blacks & T’s claim important wins

De La Salle secured a William Buck Premier finals berth with a 48-point victory over Old Melburnians at Waverly Oval. A five-goal haul from Ed Clinch and a best-on-ground performance from Big V defender, Tom Humphrey, led the way for De La as they piled on 29 scoring shots to 15 and kicked more goals than behinds for the first time in five matches. Kicking against the wind in the first term, De La were relentless as they hit the scoreboard 10 times while allowing just two goals at the other end. They built on their lead at every break throughout the day, with both Sam and Jake Williams offering elite drive from the midfield, while Jason Tutt was second to Humphrey as BOG as he provided drive from defence all day. George Hurley-Wellington improved as the game went on for OM’s and was named their best player while Josh Freezer impressed both down back and up forward. The loss puts an end to OM’s finals chances as De La now prepare for possibly two consecutive matches against the third-placed Blues.

University Blacks ended a six-match winless streak and kept their chances of avoiding relegation alive after they defeated Old Xaverians by 71 points at the Uni Oval. Trailing by two goals at the first break, the Blacks exploded with eight goals to one in the second term and followed it up with another 12 goals to six in the second half. Joel Ernest (six) and Lachlan Huntington (four) reaped the benefits up forward with 10 goals between them for the Blacks, while Harrie Lahy kicked two and earnt BOG honours. Luke Bisset was named best for Xavs in his first senior game this year but the loss now puts a line through their back-to-back ambitions as they fall two and a half games behind De La. The blacks remain in ninth spot but are just half a game behind the Tigers in eighth.

Seven goals to two in the fourth term helped Old Trinity run over Collegians to the tune of 18 points for their second win in a row. Trailing by eight points at the last break, the T’s finished out the game in superb form with Alex Polidoros top-scoring with four goals. Alexander Hasiotis starred in a BOG performance for the T’s and Anthony Scott continued his outstanding form. The win elevated the T’s to seventh on the ladder and they remain a game clear of the relegation zone. Sam Hibbins kicked three goals and was best for the Lions alongside a standout performance from Dominic Russo. It was just the Lions’ first loss in six outings.

Beaumaris will officially play Premier B in 2017 after they went down to University Blues by 20 points at Banksia Reserve. The Sharks were outstanding against the form side of the competition and led by 10 points at three quarter time before the Blues kicked into gear with six goals to one in the fourth term. Tim Geappen returned for the first time since July 29 and did not miss a beat as he kicked five goals for the Blues, while Ryan Eade was best afield after another standout performance in the midfield. Joel Cusack shone for the Sharks with three goals alongside Stephen Milne who was named best with two.

St Kevin’s bounced back from last week’s loss to Uni Blues in emphatic fashion, dismantling St Bedes/Mentone Tigers by 157 points at TH King Oval. SKOB were at their unrelenting best, kicking 17 goals to two in the first half and taking a 102-point lead into the main break before adding another 11 to three in the second half. Lachie Sullivan’s breakout year continued for SKOB as he piled on four goals in a BOG display, while Jay Schulz added four of his own. Jaryd Robertson and Luke Velluto fought hard for the Tigers but they now fall to eighth spot on the ladder and need to win next week to ensure they stave off relegation.