Xavs, De La, Tigers claim crucial William Buck Premier wins

Old Xaverians claimed their fourth victory of the season while simultaneously ending Old Scotch’s four-game winning streak, defeating their rivals by 54 points at Toorak Park. Xavs gained the ascendancy in a heated first half with six goals to four, but their 16 scoring shots to nine was a clearer indication of their dominance across the ground. A further seven goals to two in the second half cemented the Xavs’ much-needed victory, with Matt Handley and Lucas Soccio leading the way with four goals each. Fraser Pearce and Cauley Beetham were outstanding for Xavs, while Joshua Tilley and Nick Jamieson were named best for the Cardinals. There are now four teams on four wins from the opening 12 rounds.

De La Salle registered a much-needed 47-point victory over Old Melburnians at Waverly Oval. Having lost their past four games and sitting ninth on the ladder with three wins, De La rose to the occasion with seven goals to four in the first half. Leading by 23 points at three quarter time, De La sent home six goals to two in the final term with Brodie Mclaughlin finishing the game with four goals. Brendan Close was named best afield, and Adrian Indovino kicked three majors as well. Josh Freezer continued his outstanding form for the OM’s, but they’ve now lost three games in a row by a touch under 60ppg.

St Kevin’s OB held on against a fast-finishing Collegians outfit in their top-of-the-table clash and claimed a seven-point win at St Kevin’s College. Leading by 14 points at the last break, SKOB away to a four-goal lead before the Lions finished with a flourish and brought the margin to single digits. Billy Kanakis kicked another four goals in a dominant display for SKOB and Henry Parkes booted three. Sam Critchley and Mitch Brown were particularly influential for SKOB, while Courtney Hylton and Al Fahie were standouts for the Lions. SKOB now move one game clear of the Lions at the top of the William Buck Premier ladder.

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers made it two wins from their past two games as they defeated Old Brighton by 72 points at Brighton Beach Oval. Just one week after claiming their first win since Round 1, the Tigers continued their improved form with eight goals to three in the opening three quarters before skipping away via a seven-goal final term. Josh Cowan was outstanding with four goals for the Tigers alongside impressive performances from Liam Hiscock, Michael Barnes and Josh Heron. Tom Yorgey and James Davis fought hard for the Tonners, while Anthony Zimmerman was their only multiple goal kicker with two. The Tonners have now suffered two significant losses in succession with a multitude of unavailable players hurting. They are, however, still three games clear in the four.

A goal in the dying minutes helped Old Trinity solidify to their spot in the top four as they edged past University Blues by four points at the Daley Oval. The T’s trailed by four goals at half time but fought back with six goals to two in the third and fourth quarters en route to their sixth win of the season. Ed Weatherson and Harry Thompson led the charge for the T’s, while Harry Tinney top-scored with three majors as his hot form continued. Tom Quinn kicked three for the Blues and Piers Flanagan was a standout but the loss now puts them two games behind the T’s in sixth.