A strong third term put Healy's Heroes in a position to win the game, but SKOB finished the stronger.

Coach Healy sums it up:

The OX Reds went down to SK Gold by six points in a high quality game of Thirds football.

SKOB have improved dramatically since our first encounter and made the running for much of the first half, though the game began to move in our direction in the second quarter as Bishop, De Lutis, Stanley and Beaton began to get more of the ball.

Fantasia, Samartzis and O’Sullivan were rock solid in defence and the game was evenly poised at the long break.

Curtis and Berry continued to work hard against the big SKOB bodies in the ruck and our third quarter was back to our best as we attacked the football with zeal and aggression and the Kevs began to lose their early hunger for the contest.

Having reversed the trend, the game was there for the taking at three-quarter time but in a titanic struggle in the final quarter, SKOB took their chances and we didn’t – a great lesson and to fall short narrowly was disappointing but also a great learning for our younger guys particularly.

This game was played at a real finals intensity which I hope will stand us in really good stead.

Losing Capt. Fletch to illness did not help, but in the end we worked hard enough for the win but we must also say well done to our improving opponents who will be dangerous come September.

It’s SKOB Green next and we must quickly jump back on the horse and return to the winner’s circle – see everyone at 2.00 Saturday at downtown Straddie !!

Old Xaverians Red 1.0-6     4.5-29     7.8-50    7.11-53

St Kevins OB Gold 3.2-20   6.3-39     6.4-40    9.5-59

Goal Kickers: C. Kennedy 3, A. Amato 2, H. Kelly, T. Bergin
Best Players: C. O''Sullivan, T. Fantasia, J. Samartzis, C. Bishop, T. Bergin, A. Amato

‍