The wall that St Kevin’s built

While there’s hype, excitement and joy coming out of the camp of Collegians. The most dominant side in recent years St Kevin’s are strangling opposition sides, week in, week out.

University Blues kicked a goal in the opening quarter on Saturday against the ladder leaders. And that’s all they could manage for the afternoon as SKOB finished the day with 12. Sandringham in the VFL had the bye and released their VAFA players back home which allowed Goy Lok (best on ground) and Anthony Seaton (second best) to run riot for the travellers.

Al Richards (3) and Jack Darmody (3) were the focal points up forward. Sam Grimley was unable to have any meaningful impact on the game and the scoreboard. The result is a significant dent in the Uni Blues percentage as they fight to get out of the bottom two with four matches remaining. The average score against St Kevin’s this year is 51 points. Statistically from their three losses two of those have come against the current top four, they will have confidence when it matters most at the pointy end of the season, they’ll tighten the screws even further than they already do.

Old Melburnians (2nd) and Old Brighton (3rd) are breathing down their necks, ready to pounce if a slip-up occurs. Those two sides are matching one another at the moment, winning and losing on the same weekends. Old Brighton were in a scrap against Old Trinity coming away 14-point winners. Holding a 2-point lead at three quarter time they managed to outmuscle the green and gold, but were unable to close the percentage gap significantly on OM’s. VFL listed players, Hamish Dick (4) and Darby Hipwell (2) were dangerous around goal. Myles Scott (2), Sam Mason (2) and Charlie Beasley all had an impact on the game for the T’s.

They’re still outside the relegation zone, with a 1-game gap on University Blues, this weekend becomes another one of Brian Waldron’s “classic 8-point games” when they two sides meet at Melbourne Uni Oval.

Old Melburnians maintained Caulfield Grammarians kicking with a tough breeze at Glen Huntly Oval. The Fields went with OM’s for three quarters before the bumblebees were too strong coming home with the breeze. Celebrating Josh Freezer’s 150th game in style they’re sitting second with a month to play. It’s been a long time in Freezer’s memory the OM’s have been in this position in William Buck Premier.

Away from the big Freeze, Nick De Steiger would be stiff, and sore after countless stoppages, along with Declan Reilly. Gus Borthwick kicked two goals, both from 50m penalties. Tom Baker was the man to kick the only goal to the racecourse end of the ground for the afternoon. What a clash we have in store this weekend as the boys in Navy Blue come up against the Purple Army of Collegians.

Before we look ahead to this Saturday for that battle, looking back on the weekend, Collegians made it six in a row. Holding out Old Xaverians in a contest that was built up to be a classic. A 10-point half-time lead for the Lions became all square at three quarter time. The final margin of three points has these two sides changing spots on the ladder. Collegians are fourth. Old Xaverians are fifth.

Kobi George (2) and Oli Jackson (2) were the only multiple goal scorers on the ground. Collegians fans will tell you Sam Sofrinidis is the best half-back flank in the game. And, they may be onto something as he was named best on the ground. Inaccuracy in games is hurting the red and black at the moment, in their last four losses they’ve gone at 48% in front of goal. Coming up against Caulfield this weekend, a team who beat them earlier this season, they’ll be wanting to turn around their form quickly.

Old Scotch were promised a hard fought battle against the Snowdogs, despite the scoreboard blowing out due to the windy conditions. That’s what they got for most of the afternoon. 12-individual goal kickers for the Cardinals from the 17 they managed to kick is a terrific spread that left the St Bernard’s defence vulnerable. Again, the inability to score heavily hurt the Snowdogs. A third quarter with six goals wasn’t supported throughout the first, second and final quarters with just one goal in each.

Darren Colaco (3) was the key pillar in the forward line. The final month of the season for St Bernard’s is going to prove the toughest for all William Buck Premier sides. Facing Old Brighton (3rd), Old Melburnians (2nd), Collegians (4th) and St Kevin’s (1st). If anyone can use the term “we may not make the four, but we can shape the four” it’s going to be Paul Groves.