Wrestling for fourth spot, the fight is on in William Buck Premier men’s

There’s a stark contrast between the top and the bottom in William Buck Premier after the opening third of the season, in the middle of the ladder though, it’s a log-jam and it’s anyone’s guess how the next block of matches will play out. 

In terms of results, Round 6 unfolded as predicted but the afternoons were anything but smooth sailing for the winners. 

At Glen Huntly Oval, University Blues had to fight back from a 21 point deficit at three quarter time. With the aid of a breeze helping them in the final term, it wasn’t until late in the term they took the lead off Caulfield and finished with three goals (James Carr, Joseph Nagle & Marc James) in quick succession to run out 19 point winners. 

The Fields fought valiantly all afternoon losing Will Bainbridge (shoulder) for most of the second half. Will Kennedy was brave in the ruck all day, leaving the ground just before three quarter time with a knee injury only to come back on and fight out the final term. 

Fraser Elliot was hot early in the contest before a hip injury saw him fade out of the game, forcing the Goddard’s, Jeremy and Hugh to stand up for the victors when it mattered most. 

The Fields will lick their wounds slumping to a 1-5 start and will aim to regain Will Edwards, Declain Reilly, Jared Risol and Jono O’Rourke in the coming weeks. While Uni move to 5th as part of the 3-3 crew and will welcome back Ayce Cordy, Alex Fasolo, Keiran Harper at some point in the next block of games. 

Is the season back on track for Old Xaverians? Walking away from Camberwell Sports Park with a 22 point victory over Old Scotch. It all went to plan for James Byrnes’ men, a quarter time lead that they managed to hold throughout the afternoon leading at every change. 

Shaun Hampson and Xavier Richards were welcomed inclusions for Xav’s, Richards helping himself to 4 goals along with Jack Hewitt playing the role of a small forward. Ed Delany continues to impress in the “Luke Jackson type” second-string/forward ruck role. 

Old Scotch are also 3-3 after the first third of the year, they’ve found a new avenue to goal with Tyson Sellers adding another two to his senior tally, Aiden Franetic is having a great start to the season and as predicted before the match, Arion Richter-Salter found his way into the Cardinals best for the afternoon. 

The blockbusters keep coming for these two sides as Old Scotch reignite the oldest contest in footy next week against Old Melburnians while Old Xav’s welcome the ladder leaders St Kevin’s to Toorak Park. 

Paddy Kerr was the shining light for St Kevin’s in their 65 point win over St Bernard’s kicking 6 majors moving to second on the sharpshooters table with 16 for the season. A four point quarter time lead blew out to 37 points at half time as again hitting the scoreboard became a worry for St Bernard’s managing just 1 goal in the first half. 

The 18-man press was in full swing on the small confides of T H King Oval as Al Richards, Josh Tynan and Cam Hodges overpowered their opponents. 

With seven changes to the St Bernard’s line up in the lead up to the game, just one player over the age of 26, it’s the youngest senior team the club has had take the field in over 20 years, there’s growing pains at the moment with the young pups, but in racing terms “they’ll be better for the run”. 

At Harry Trott Oval, the fans were treated to a tight contest in the opening half with Collegians taking a 2-point lead into the main change. It was words of inspiration from Greg Hutchison as Old Brighton flexed their muscles with a 13 goal to two second half to finish with the highest score of the season so far. 

Tom Blamires and Michael Karayannis did the damage on the scoreboard with three goals each, while five other men in red and blue kicked 2 majors for the afternoon. Max Lohan was named the best player on the ground for the Tonners as they maintain second spot on the table with a 5-1 start to 2022.

The Purple Army have now dropped three games in a row, Ed Greene took the honours up forward with 3 goals while Nick Canny was the best for the Lions. It’s been great for fans of Collegians to see Kenny Ong back and stringing some consistent footy together, another 2 goals yesterday with plenty of time through the midfield. 

They’ll set themselves up for a big contest next week against University Blues at Melbourne Uni, a ground that’s not foreign to them and holds no fear, maybe they can harness the spirit of the past and get themselves back on the winners list in Round 7. 

Old Trinity stayed the course with Old Melburnians for three quarters before OM’s extended their 11 point three quarter time lead to 44 points at the final siren. 

Tom Baker has hit the scoreboard every week, this time a bag of six was on the menu for him while Jackson Paine kicked 3. It’s been a terrific start for Paul Satterley’s men.

Sam Mason has been one of the most consistent players at the T’s this year, kicking 3 goals and being named their best player for the afternoon. As well as the big ruckman Harry Thompson who could be leading the clubs best and fairest count if we stopped it now. 

The opportunity is there for Old Trinity next weekend as they play host to Caulfield Grammarians at the Daley Oval, they’re a different side at home, on grounds with wide expanses. It’s set to be a cracking match, one of five in round 7 that we already can’t wait for!

Photo: Bruce Tobin, Collegians FC