April 28, 2026
VALE BRIAN LAWLER
Past player and long-time member
A Century of the Red & Black
Round 3 proved a strong one for the Red ‘n’ Blacks, with results including a return to the winner’s circle for the Seniors, brilliant comeback wins from both U19 teams, and four victories over Old Scotch.
Old Xaverians capitalised on a strong into-the-wind first quarter effort to crush Old Scotch by 54 points at Camberwell yesterday. The victory was the Claret and Stout’s eighth from its last twelve appearances at the ground, and marked a welcome return to foem after looking flat last week.
The Red ‘n’ Blacks looked dangerous from the outset with Alec Spralja back in the ruck and Sam Hansen hitting contests with his usual glee. Charlie MacIsaac opened the account for the X-Men and despite the strong breeze at their backs, the Caledonians could not penetrate a tight defence, which shone under pressure from the outset. Tommy McRae and Jack O’Sullivan both drew twin calicos later in the term to give the visitors a solid lead at the first change.
The wind dropped away. The Red Men managed four goals in the second term, but it wasn’t enough as the Red ‘n’ Blacks tipped in another six to increase their advantage at the half. O’Sullivan and McRae and big Ed Delany were burning in the front half while the dash and rebound kicking from Alex Trigar, Will Goss and Kye Walford, was a treat to watch.
The third term saw the game tighten and the scoring slow for both teams, which effectively finished the home team’s chances of victory. Xavs enjoyed a 37-point lead at the lemons.
The game opened up again in the final term and the X-Men rumbled home with another seven goals to four to finish 54 points to the good. Charlie MacIsaac, strong all day, did as he pleased late in the piece.
Sam Ralph again proved an important link man. Along with Hamish MacIsaac and skipper Campbell Lane, he formed a centre line that gave the Xavs' defenders some great exit great options.
It was a business-like performance from Dan Donati’s team, and they will be looking to build on that next week when they meet Caulfield Grammarians at Toorak Park.
Pictures from Ari Hatzis
Round 3 saw Old Trinity (94) stay hot when they beat Uni Blacks (65). The Ts are 2-1 and yet to play at home. Uni Blues (147) smashed Caulfield (67) after the Fieldsmen had shown some strong resistance early. St Kevin’s (113) won their first, smashing St Bernard’s (48) at TH King. Old Brighton (99) overcame an early charge from Old Haileybury (51) at Parc des Princes. Xavs sit in third spot, with their offense and defense both ranked third.
Goal specialists Matt Exell and Will MacIsaac booted three apiece as the unbeaten reigning premier scratched the Scotchies at Camberwell. The X-Men opened up a narrow quarter time lead, but broke the game open in the second stanza to go to the sheds with double the home team's score.
The Claret and Stourt were more restrained after the half, which is a rare occurence these days. but never allowed the Cardinals back into it. Ben Moyle again showed plenty. He is enjoying career best form in the ruck and around the ground. MacIsaac again showed his value, while mids Will Bowen, Ben Bilston-McGillen and Hugh Basset were strong performers all day. Billy Egan was the pick of a defensive unit that prevented the Caledonians from mounting a real challenge.
Beaumaris had six shots to one and booted four goals to one in a first term that proved costly for the visiting WOX. For the rest of the game, the Xavs outshot and out-goaled the home team, but couldn't close the gap. Amelie Menegola starred and booted three for the vanquished, whose season record of 1-2 sees them in fifth spot, just a game outside the four.
The WOX Twos are in third spot after their win over the Gems yesterday. Straight shooting proved difficult for the home team, but they did enough to win. Next week's job is to beat Ormond, who have a record of 1-2.
For most of the game, victory looked certain for the Cardinals. They led at every change, but still, the young Xavs would not let go. Spurred by Marco Baggio and Ryder Daffy, the Red and Blacks finally caught and then passed the Caledonians to take the points. Next week's clash with Caulfied looms large, but yesterday's effort will give the X-Men plenty of confidence.
U19 Gallery pics from Ari Hatzis and Bridget Wilson
The early contest at Pitcher Park proved to be a nailbiter, with plenty of lead changes and the result in doubt through the last quarter. But cometh the hour, cometh the man, and Freddie Calhaem stepped up for two late six-pointers to swing the game.
Parkside got away in the first term but a late goal from Jake 'Stormy' Somers saw the Red 'n' Blacks pull the quarter time margin into 11 points. The X-Men had the better of it early in the second stanza, booting three goals. The latest of those tied the ball game, but Parkside did all the attacking late in the term and went to the sheds nine points to the good.
After the long break, Xavs came out firing with three unanswered majors, and the Claret and Stout was out by nine points at the seven minute mark. Again, the Devils responded, and they went to the lemons just a point behind the visitors. Five minutes into the last, the home team goaled to take the lead. At twelve minutes, however, Calhaem put the Red 'n' Blacks ahead, but almost immediately, Parkside responded. Eleven minutes remained, and the Devils in front by just three points.
For nearly eight minutes, the scoring stopped. Then with just three minutes left, Calhaem struck again with his second in a row, and the visitors held firm until the final siren to take the points.
Matthew Bourke's team was never in trouble against the Caledonian outfit. Establishing a first-change lead of 22 points, they continued scoring at the rate of four goals a quarter while crushing any real resistance from the visitors.
Sam Bowen was best afield, Aaron Ivak and Charlie Ralph were prominent, and first-gamer Private Player, rumoured to be a distant relation of star South African golfer, Gary Player, booted three in the victory.
Will Exell booted five and Joe Corser, who booted four, was best, as the U23s rolled over Old Carey. Next week, they meet winless team Old Geelong.
The Menages led at every change and beat SKOB by 9 points. Early inaccuracy from the visitors proved costly and their late challenge too might have succeeded if they had kicked straight. Ed Ponari and Xavier Penny, as well as veteran Josh 'Tooka' Hanger, were best for Will Honan's team.
The young T-Bird team won all four quarters to register a resounding victory over Old Camberwell. It was a strong showing from the Xavs, fired by five goals from Hugo Wyman and a BOG effort from Cooper McLean. Ned Lyons booted three in a strong team performance.
