Caulfield prevail in a come-from-behind thriller

Bailey Berry

The last weekend of April was a stunner. As the sun was shining over a picturesque Melbourne, the clubs in Holmesglen Under 19 Premier Men’s battled it out.

Three rounds in, we now have a formulated idea of who will challenge deep into the season, several teams have already put together strong and defiance performances. Though no team remains without a loss in U19 Premier Men’s, illustrating the centimetre-perfect competitiveness of this section.

De La Salle def by. Williamstown CYMS by 26 points

The CYs haven’t quite had the start to the season they were hoping for. However, after two defeats, they regrouped and returned serve against De La on Saturday.

Williamstown possess good depth and had a strong showing throughout the preseason, don’t be surprised if this victory kick starts their season.

Whilst De La will be disappointed to have let this one slip from their grasp at home. They are now one of the 6 teams who are 2-1 thus far.

Sebastian Filipovic was amongst the best again for the losing side, accompanied by Patrick Russell and Mitchell Wain who combined for 7 majors. S. Shepherd, C. Vicino, J. Billington, C. Oldham, N. Singh & T. Assafiri were all individually superb for Williamstown. 

Williamstown will host the Caulfield Grammarians during the prime-time slot at Fearon Reserve this week. Whilst De La Salle will travel to Camberwell to face Old Scotch

Caulfield Grammarians def. Old Xaverians by 1 point

This match had everything, both sides performed to a standard that was remarkable for U19 level.

Caulfield trailed for 95% of the game but were able to utilise their home ground advantage to seize a 1-point victory. Though they fell short, Xavier’s start to the season has been remarkable. The reigning premiers will look to regroup and bounce back next week.

Though this match certified that the Fields will fiercely challenge any opponent they face this year. Jack Atkinson and Max Olynyk were stand outs again for Caulfield, combining for 6 goals. Well and truly the match of the round.

Xavs will face St. Bernards at home in R4. Caulfield will trek over the bridge to face Williamstown.

St. Kevins defeated Old Brighton by 53 points

SKOB will be fuelled by this performance. In what was a cohesive team showing, St. Kevins had the visitors on the ropes for majority of the contest.

Whereas Brighton’s start to the season has been rather lacklustre.

The 2022 grand finalist will need to reassess after this defeat. R. Agg, Z. Bowen, D. Gilbert, K. Dimattina, L. Travers & T. Howden were the best afield for the losing side.

Jasper Conquest slotted 6 for SKOB, his start to the season has been dominant.

St. Kevins will face Uni Blues this week in what will be a tight contest. Old Brighton will go up against SBMT, the latter are in strong form.

St. Bedes / Mentone Tigers def. Old Scotch by 13 points

The young tigers are we and truly on the prowl in 2023. A 13-point victory at home will instil long-term confidence in this team going forward. SBMT were simply able to capitalise on their scoring opportunities more efficiently than the visitors.

Scotch had a tight win in RD1 but have struggled to secure a victory over the past fortnight.

They’ll look to recapture some form this weekend. Jack Behnk scored 3 majors, now sitting 6 clear in the section goal kicking tally. Whilst Harry Robenstone continued his strong start to the season, slotting 4 for Old Scotch.

SBMT will head up Beach Road to face Old Brighton in RD4. Old Scotch will take on De La Salle at home.

St. Bernards def by. University Blues by 58 points

St. Bernards are now the only side in U19 Premier without a win in 2023. The Snow Dogs were a strong middle-table side last season, unfortunately we’re yet to see any signs of that team this year.

Though Uni have showed they are in for the fight this year. Their fitness and goal kicking prowess have been second to none thus far.

Daniel Gilham continued his strong form for St. Bernards with 3 majors. A. Bain, J. White, T. Ingram, J. McMahon, G. McCulloch & T. O”Brien were the best afield for the victors.

St. Bernards will travel to face Xavier, which may be a bleak affair. Whilst Uni will clash with St. Kevins.