The Old Xavs Reserves took to Elsternwick Park on Sunday in the 2^nd Semi to take on perennial premiers, Uni Blues, in a game that would afford the winner a spot in the 2011 Grand Final.  Uni had beaten the OX twice throughout the season proper and were full of confidence going into the game.  So after the preparations were complete, the skipper Walsh won the toss and gladly decided to kick with a very slight wind (by Elsternwick Park standards) towards the scoreboard end.

Things started reasonably well for the Xavs, with a few sharp inside 45’s, which ended up in a regulation Nick Biddlecombe goal from a ruck infringement.  Chris Santalucia later managed to sneak forward and also get his name on the scoresheet, as did the veteran James McDonnell, but Uni responded and kicked two of their own to the Glenhuntly Rd end.  After a tough and intense first stanza, the Xavs held a slight advantage, but were heading into the breeze for the second.

The next term saw Uni start to get their game in order and win tough inside ball and feed out to their runners.  They peppered the goals for the term and some wayward kicking cost them taking the lead into the long break.  The Xavs back 6 was holding up well with Johnny Pintal returning to form and thwarting many attacks forward by the two blues.  Pete Ryan was also gallant deep in defence, supported by Damo Ryan and Dan Higgins.  The pressure was on and mistakes were being forced all over the ground.  The stoic defence had held up and the Red’n’Blacks managed to hold a slender lead into half time.

Uni came out after half time fired up and again had plenty of scoring shots – most of which sailed wide, which was to the Xavs benefit.  The wind had managed to swing around and now was heading to the city end, favouring Uni for the second consecutive quarter.  The OX had to hold strong and maintain the pressure.  James Ulbrick, Sam Lees, Matt Walsh and Stuey Skidmore were hard in the clinches and refused to give in around the stop plays.  After the ball had spent the majority of the term in the Uni half, the Xavs managed to hit hard on the counter attack and Dan Rush did the rest with a set shot goal.  At the three quarter time juncture, Uni held a 6 point (all behinds) buffer.

The last quarter was a test of strength, concentration and commitment with neither side giving in.  It was a genuine arm wrestle for the duration, but the Xavs managed to break away and kick two goals (through Paterson and McDonnell) to Uni’s one and seal a fine victory against a quality opposition.  The only sour note was a late leg injury to the exciting debutant Tristan Parker.  TP unfortunately had to be stretchered from the ground after awkwardly twisting his knee.  We wish TP all the best in his recovery and don’t underestimate the impact this young gun has had on the success of both senior sides in 2011, a fine effort after coming up from the Thirds.

So the Reserves are off to the Grand Final in two week’s time.  Their opponent will be decided this weekend in a mouthwatering fixture between Uni and De La.