In somewhat of a tradition, the seniors came from behind at 3 quarter time to beat Old Scotch in what was a tight tussle all day.

Xavs started slowly into the wind with some poor skills deep in defence providing Scotch with opportunities to impact the scoreboard. Fortunately for Xavs the Scotch boys were wayward in their kicking for goal as the damage could have been substantial on the scoreboard had they kicked straight.

A sickening collision in the second quarter between the brave duo of Prowse and Brennan saw both taken to hospital with concussion and requiring stitches. Their attack on the ball was a credit to them both - real toughness and courage. Fortunately both were later discharged from hospital with stitches and sore heads only.

The poor conditions continued to make the game a slog and then Larkins goaled on the half time siren to keep the Xavs in touch. The third quarter was an arm wrestle with Scotch just not quite able to extend their lead enough, again, with plenty of shots on goal just not being converted.

This left the door ajar as the Scotchies led by 10 points at 3 quarter time. The whiteboard was re-jigged a bit and the boys knew they had come from behind to beat Scotch a number of times before, so the belief was high that they could get the job done. And so they did. Big final quarters from Wynne, Biddlecombe, Handley, Howard, Darvell, Ball and Noonan saw 5 goals to none piled on and in the blink of an eye the margin was a 20 pt lead to the Xavs and they lived to fight another day in second spot.

A tough battle at Brighton Beach Oval now awaits the seniors – the result of which will determine which final and which opponent they will face in either week 1 or week 2 of the finals.