April 19, 2026
BACK WITH A BANG!
Big results to start 2026
A Century of the Red & Black
Reversals of fortune marked Anzac Day's R2.
Old Trinity's season took a significant stride when they totally outpointed a flat Old Xaverians at Toorak Park.
The X-Men were deservedly favourites after their crunching win over St Kevin's on Opening Day but could barely muster a gallop against the visitors. The Ts opened well with the breeze and despite surrendering some momentum in time-on, looked totally in control. Sam Hansen battled hard in the midfield early on, with five clearances in the first quarter and laying six tackles in the second term, which the Xaverians narrowly won. However, the Greenbacks sealed the deal in the third stanza. Xavs added two goals in time-on to break their ducks in the last quarter, a term in which they had the breeze.
It was just the sixth time in 102 games at Toorak Park since 2011 that the X-Men have been beaten by six goals or more. This despite Trinity squandering a few chances, which was but a small, and their only, blemish. Old Trinity's 55-39 dominance in clearances directly fuelled their massive 68-37 surplus into forward arc entries. Xavs didn't help themselves by playing down the boundary line and several forays forward were turned over by errant kicks or those than jumped out of play between the arcs.
Frankly, few teams have come to Orrong Road and rendered the Claret and Stout so ordinary.
Next week, a trip to Camberwell, where atonement might on the minds of the visitors. More important are the four premiership points and Old Scotch won't be easybeats.
See gallery for super pics by Ari Hatzis
It was a wild Anzac Day that saw three of last week's victors fall to last Saturday's vanquished. Only two unbeaten teams, Old Brighton (112) who beat St Kevin's (88) and Uni Blues (74) who knocked over Uni Blacks (47). St Bernard's (65) got up to pip Scotch (63) at the Snakepit, while Caulfield Grammarians (73) overcame a two goal deficit at the half to beat Old Haileybury (69). Six teams are 1-1 and Blacks and SKOB are winless.
Ben Moyle and two MacIsaacs, Will and Hamish, sent Old Trinity to a big defeat at Toorak Park in their R2 clash. Moyle maintained his early season dominance, again displaying his significant development. Will MacIsaac booted seven and was unstoppable, as were Matt Exell and Julian Gangi who terrorised the T's defence. Hamish MacIsaac was typically cool and reliable and Hugh Basset found the ball regularly.
It was another strong display from Dan Richardson's team.
See gallery for super pics by Ari Hatzis and Bridget Wilson
Matt Handley's team celebrated their return to Toorak Park with a nailbiting win over Uni Blues. Xavs trailed at every change but finished the better to take the chocolates.
See gallery for super pics by Bridget Wilson
The Bullants started brilliantly, leaving the X-Men in their dust, but after quarter time, the Xaverians were the better team. In the end, they failed by just two points, taking nine shots to one in the final term. They needed just one more to go straight, but didn't get it.
Max Quin lead the way with a six goal BOG performance as Matt Bourke's team torched the Ts on the Hudson. It was a big day out for the former Bond University forward and enabled the reigning premier to win its first match of the season.
Five from Will Exell and eleven other goalscorers saw the 23s sweep over Old Geelong at Como Park.
Nine goals from Captain-Coach Will Honan saw the Triangles soar to victory over Old Carey.
It was a one-sided affair at the Crawford as Blacks ran away wwith it after half-time. Will Beattie was the sole Xavs' goalkicker as the Phoenix was far too strong.
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