In a much anticipated 1 vs. 3 billing, in a game that was moved to the Varsity Main to match the hype, the stage was indeed set for essentially a “mini final”.

The stakes were high for both teams with a win all but guaranteeing the Ménages a top 2 finish and probably ending Uni’s chances of a shot at the double chance.

The Ménages responded in the most emphatic style, with a 131 point drubbing of a very disappointing, perhaps weakened, but certainly out of character, Uni Blues outfit.

But take nothing away from the Ménages performance. The boys were focused, fierce, united and uncompromising in their best team performance for the year.

The standard for the day was set by Anthony Torre in the middle, who played easily his best game for the year, with his ferocious attack on the ball and his gut running all day earning him the Dimattina Restaurant award for BOG.

Torz was ably supported by a very strong midfield performance from the onball brigade with Knighta, Josh Evans and Patty Purcell again consistently doing all the hard stuff, in and under all day, and feeding the ball out to the runners.

Dan Meehan, initially a makeshift ruckman, continues to improve and impress and was terrific again as he grows into the role.

Charlie Chisholm continues to impress with his fitness, class and poise and gave excellent drive from his wing, creating ongoing opportunities for the forwards.

Jed McDonnell was a strong focus and presence at centre half forward kicking 3 goals and Matt Dimattina, playing as a small forward, continues to be an X factor on the forward line bagging 6 goals and could have kicked 10, with 3 posters and a couple of easy misses.

The back six of Julian Moylan, Johhno Meehan, Michael Dipietro, Nick Mudge, Tom Grigg and Pete Doyle, often unheralded, are gelling into a very formidable combination, conceded only 2 goals for the day and providing the springboard for a number of rebound attacks which culminated in a couple of coast to coast goals.

The Ménages played a very assertive and skilful brand of football on Saturday, in arguably their strongest performance of the season and the win has now reset the minimum standard of performance required from the Manages leading into September action.