Old Xaverians dazzle under lights as competition heats up

As we approach the official mid-way point in the year, many teams are beginning to gain momentum and emerge as premiership contenders in the Holmesglen Under 19 Premier Men’s competition.  

The opening matchup of Round 8 saw Old Xaverians continue their incredible form, thumping Beaumaris under lights at Banksia reserve.

This was a one-way affair right from the outset with a scintillating 46-1 point opening quarter that would set the tone for the rest of the contest, as Old Xavs ran away resounding 99-point winners.

Charlie Christopher enjoyed a Friday night out in front of the big sticks, slotting four majors, whilst Eddie Paul was also impressive, finishing his night with three. Thomas Delahunt, Harry Mcauliffe, Tom Scalzo and Gerard Forrest each concluded with two. Ed Dalton, Xavier Austin, Harry Bird,and Hugo Wyman were also dominant in the blowout win.

For Beaumaris, it was a disappointing outing. They have now succumbed to a 2-6 win-loss ratio and currently dwindle in the bottom half of the ladder. Mitchell Davidson and Ned Bodi continued their form for the sharks, whilst Jacob Whitehouse and Angus Marcombe impressed.

To kick off Saturday’s match ups, ladder leaders Old Brighton hosted St Bedes/Mentone Tigers at home.

From the outset, Old Brighton held a commanding lead, maintaining it for a majority of the day.

It was the skipper Jonah Campigli who shone brightest on the day, kicking a round-high seven goals, and leading Old Brighton to a 24-point victory.

Luke Travers chipped in with three majors, whilst Cooper Dowe, Thomas Marriott, Oliver Aloi and James Clarkson guided the way to a strong win.

Despite the loss, St Bedes/Mentone showed moments of promise throughout the contest. Liam Bowles was prolific down forward, finishing with five goals. Keanu Nadji was named best afield, whilst Sacha Dimachki, Jude Fountain, Thomas Aughterson and Jude McCormack put in strong performances.

Over at TH King Oval, St Kevin’s pushed past De La Salle, claiming a 24-point victory.

De La was able to keep themselves within striking distance all day, until they fell away late to endure another antagonising defeat.

George Delimitrou was strong in the win, whilst Paul Parakilas, Fred Noble, Xavier Duke, Sebastian Duffy and Ben Ball all put in notable performances for SKOB.

De La captain Joshua Stewart continued his strong form, whilst Ashley Margerison, Joel Tyquin, Ethan MacBeth, Josh Cumberlidge and Thomas Eyles were impressive in the loss.

Despite being winless in 2024, De La Salle continue to improve and gain momentum and will look to the latter half of the season to build on opportunities and finish strong.

Touted as one of the more exciting matchups of the Round, a tight contest at Crawford Oval saw University Blues triumph over Old Scotch.

Remaining neck-and-neck for a majority of the day, it was the Blues who would seize the vital moments of the game, running away with a 10-point victory.

Johnny Pring was excellent, whilst Max Diffey, George McCulloch, Oliver Grodski, Lachlan Rees and Max Duffell amongst the best players.

Old Scotch have been left to rue their missed chances in front of goal, a defining feature being their wayward kicking in front of the big sticks.

Captain Will Hucker impressed, with Aiden Johnson, Henry Long and Matthew Mayes also being prolific in the loss.

The final game of Round 8 showcased Caulfield Grammarians and Williamstown CYMS in an intriguing matchup at Glen Huntly Park.

Both sides needing victories to stay in touch with the top half of the ladder, it was Caulfield who prevailed, running away as 22-point victors.

An important day for the side, it was Callum Hankin who dominated the contest, slotting six majors to guide the side to a memorable win. Sam Haffenden, Hamish McInerney, Hugh McKenzie, Max Kaufmana and Kalan May were also crucial to the cause.

Jai Ryan and Liam Taylor kicked two apiece for the CY’s. Williamstown CYMS remain tethered to second last in the standings, with optimism for the second half of the year.

Round 9 poses some exciting matchups in Holmesglen Under 19 Premier Men’s competition.   

St Bedes/Mentone and University Blues will do battle in a mouth-watering Friday night clash, whilst St Kevin’s and Old Xaverians will meet in a top of the table matchup. Both results will have immense ramifications on the season.

Caulfield Grammarians will look to improve their record when they meet Beaumaris on Saturday morning, while De La Salle will search for its first win over a determined Old Scotch side, and Old Brighton will look to continue their strong form against an unproven Williamstown CYMS outfit.