A Century of the Red & Black

HARTY LEADS PARTY

R5: Ones bounce back

May 7, 2022

SENIORS

Tom Hart turned on a best on ground performance to lead a very young Old Xaverians side to victory over Collegians at Toorak Park.

Xavs, sitting at 1-3 on the young season, appeared somewhat unsettled, with injuries and other unavailabilities forcing the selectors' hands over the past month. This week, there were seven changes, with Hamish Bowen and Ben Silvagni debuting, joining single gamers Dan Tuddenham and Kuiy Jiath.

Still, James Byrne's charges turned on what was probably the best effort of the fledgling campaign. Collegians came in with a 3-1 record and some confidence, but proved no match for the Red 'n' Blacks, who controlled the game for three quarters and then dominated in the final term.

The 31 point margin might have been 91 on another day with less wind and better accuracy.

Still, eight Xavs hit the scoreboard, with only Cauley Beetham booting a brace. At the other end, the long sleeves of Ben Banting were prominent all afternoon. He was aided in defence by a strong unit. First gamer Bowen did not look out of place, though his playing number did.

The on-ballers kept pushing the home team forward. Skipper Stavrou was effective, and the speedsters Hayden Troiani and Dennis Symeopoulos lively. The man who started things, the 2018 U19 Best and Fairest, Tommy Hart, played a ripper. He's played a lot of defence, pinch hit in the forward line, but proved a winner leapig at the centre bounces.

Campbell Lane played his usual role of accumulator, while Tuddenham's aptitude turned a few heads too.

The Claret and Stout is at Camberwell next Saturday as it attempts to even the ledger with a game against Old Scotch.

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Goal Kickers: C. Beetham 2, W. Goss, C. MacIsaac, B. Silvagni, D. Symeopoulos, D. Tuddenham, W. Hams, C. Lane

Best Players: T. Hart, B. Banting, H. Bowen, D. Symeopoulos, H. Troiani, M. Stavrou

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RESERVES

Alec Spralja dominated the ruck and Matt Handley snagged five as the Reserves remained unbeaten.

Collegians played better than their record might have suggested they would, and led at the half. There wasn't much in it at the lemons, but the home team kicked away in the last to bank the points.

Julian Gangi played his best game this year, while Tom Simmons and Harro Bell showed plenty up forward too.

Next Saturday, it's a battle with unbeaten and top-ranked Scotch.

Goal Kickers: M. Handley 5, H. Bell 2, T. Simmons, J. Hess, C. Knott, B. Scala, L. Soccio

Best Players: A. Spralja, J. Gangi, M. Handley, T. Simmons, C. Holmes, B. Scala

Pics here

WOX 1

The Bears got away early, and the WOX never looked like catching them.

Goal Kickers: A. Mauri 2

Best Players: C. Sgarbossa, G. Wilson, G. Golds, S. Rothfield, E. Craig, A. Mauri

WOX 2

Forfeited

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U19 Premier

Ed "Senator" Kennedy booted seven and sent St Kevin's reeling with his best on ground brilliance at TH King. Xavs maintained a handy lead for most of the afternoon, but then lowered the boom in the final stanza to snatch a ten goal wind.