Blues produce their very best as Mirra puts on a show

Only one undefeated team remains in William Buck Premier after five rounds of footy. Two teams remain winless, and for the first time in a long time, a forward has found a bag of 10.

Before we get through all of that, the team performance of the weekend belongs to University Blues who walked off Brighton Beach Oval yesterday victors by 13 points. Old Brighton were made to chase for most of the afternoon, and when they got out to an 11 point lead just before 3 quarter time most would’ve thought they’d run away with the points.

A Blues goal right on the bell of three quarter time made the margin less than a kick at the final change. It was a tight following 20 minutes that ensued, before the travellers booted the last three goals for their first win at BBO in over four years, and a much needed four points to stay in touch with the front runners.

Ayce Cordy (2 goals) in a best on ground display. Supported by Will Carrington (2 goals) and James Harrington (2 goals). The Tonners have fallen to their first loss of the year, Harry Hill hit the scoreboard with three majors, and Alfie Jarnestrom named the best.

Old Brighton have seven days to regroup ahead of the Grand Final rematch against St Kevin’s at T H King Oval. University Blues an extra days rest, will face Collegians on Sunday.

Speaking of Collegians, it was a record-breaking day for the purple army at the Harry Trott. A trouncing of Old Melburnians from the first bounce to the last. Dave Mirra put on a clinic with a bag of 10 goals. The 114 point victory sent historians running for the record books. At the time of writing, there is no evidence to prove that Collegians have ever won back-to-back games in William Buck Premier (A-Section) by 100+ points.

Last week they toyed with Old Haileybury, yesterday the OM’s were made to look red-faced. Almost 12 months to the day the roles were reversed at the Trott. The injuries are starting to mount at OM’s, none more deflating than the news of Charles Dowling finishing the game on the bench with a suspected broken jaw.

The day belonged to Mirra, everything he touched turned to gold, the vice-captain was supported by Ed Greene (4 goals), Alex Lukic (2 goals), Will Mayhood (2 goals) and Will Pocknee (2 goals).

The percentage climb of the past fortnight as been enormous. This is the most fun side to watch on their day in William Buck Premier.

St Kevin’s the reigning premiers will go into next weeks Grand Final rematch on a 12-game winning streak. Accounting for Old Xaverians to make it five from five in 2023.

After leading by 31 points at three quarter time, SKOB were on target to produce a much greater margin than 10 points but Xav’s fight saw them kick the final three goals of the day to close the gap.

In an exciting sight for fans of Old Xaverians, Dan Hannebery took to the field for his first outing, and found his way onto the scoresheet. But it was the likes of Josh Tynan, Sam Cameron and Will Coates that impressed Plugger Lynch and the SKOB coaching staff.

One of the fan favourites Shaun Kennedy is in a rich vein of form, for the third straight week he netted four goals. His season tally moves to 13 and is primed for another big outing next Saturday against Old Brighton.

Whilst Xav’s will naturally be disappointed to come away without the win, they’re certainly a side that’s around the mark sitting at 3-2 as they go into Round 6. Old Scotch awaits them. Hungry to turn the tables on the Xaverians in arguably the biggest rivalry in the VAFA.

The Cardinals are 4-1 to start 2023. Old Haileybury put up a stronger performance in the first half and throughout the contest, but Old Scotch were the ones with the additional class that saw them claim victory by 49 points.

A 19-point margin at three quarter time was blown out in the final quarter with Haileybury being held goalless.

Ryan Valentine, back from the VFL kicked five. James Tarrant another four goals to move to 15 for the year. At this stage he would be in Greg Hutchison’s eyes for a spot in the forward six for the Big V the way he’s started this year.

Durras and Rayner Seccull both celebrated their 100th games, Durras kicking two, and Rayner amongst the best. They time, energy and effort they’ve given to the football club over a number of years cannot be underestimated and deserves to be recognised and celebrated accordingly.

University Blacks are on the board in 2023. Their first win in William Buck Premier since 2017. A five-goal first quarter was followed up by a five-goal second quarter. Opening up a 39-point lead. Caulfield Grammarians managed some resistance in the second half, but they had to come from a long-way back, the mountain too tall to climb.

Nick Hey led from the front in the forward line with five, Angus McKinna kicked three. As Louis Vescio, ran riot through the midfield. If we’re mentioning James Tarrant in the forward line for the Big V. We have to mention Joel Ernest in the backline for Blacks. He has been amongst the best every week for Dale Bower, as reliable, and consistent across the defensive line.

Julian Dobosz had the kicking boots on for Caulfield with five. As one of the shining lights for Guy McKenna.

The Fields welcome Old Haileybury to Glen Huntly Oval next Saturday, whilst Blacks are on the road against Old Melburnians. All four sides, with just two wins between them will see Round 6 as equal opportunity to knock one another off as we close in on the first third of the season being completed.

Photo: Bruce Tobin; Collegians FC