Harry Kelly and Charlie Kennedy showed the way as the U23s built a strong lead in the first half, an advantage it didn't squander after the long break.

This from super-coach Shane Healy:

The OX Reds faced up to finals-bound SKOB Green at Straddie on Saturday afternoon.

It was a brilliant winter’s day for footy and the boys were coming off a narrow loss to SK Gold, which had seen us lose top spot on the ladder.

The SKOB Green Team was were keen to get the better of us, but our start and our hard attack on the ball and some quick ball movement left the visitors flat-footed in the opening quarter.

They had played commendably a week earlier against the Menages without getting the lollies, so we knew this was going to be a battle royal !

After the opening quarter, the game was a real arm-wrestle.

SKOB Green had the better of the second quarter without making enormous inroads on the scoreboard, and a goal to the visitors after the three quarter-time siren, reduced the margin to two goals.

It was seriously game-on and the last quarter was a titanic struggle, very similar to last week where we lost the lead and then the game, due to our inability to score when we thrust forward.

This week, we kicked four goals in the last quarter and though SKOB never gave up, we earned a really impressive victory. We showed, as the Reds did ast year, that we can really lift when challenged.

There were no passengers this week which was important !

Curtis and Berry were excellent in the ruck while Harry Kelly and Harry Reed were excellent in and around the ball.

Defenders O’Sullivan and Fantasia were great again with excellent support from C.Prowse and Buffon.

Amato, Watkin and Kennedy were dangerous up forward and our engine room led by Nugent, Bishop, De Lutis and Beaton all had an impact.

We’re training at Toorak Park on Saturday morning and then the following week it’s another huge match against the Menages.

It’s been a great season thus far with lots of exciting challenges still ahead !!!

Old Xaverians Red       4.3-27     5.8-38    6.9-45    10.12-72

St Kevins OB Green       0.2-2      1.8-14     4.9-33      7.11-53

Goal Kickers: C. Kennedy 3, A. Amato 3, H. Reed, T. Beaton, F. Nugent, J. Delutis
Best Players: H. Kelly, B. Curtis, H. Reed, A. Amato, C. O''Sullivan, C. Kennedy

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