With the Senior, Reserve, WOX and both U19 teams enjoying another lay day, the VAFA stage belonged entirely to the Thirds. With five teams competing in those sections, Old Xavs had plenty to offer for its legion of fans, including a derby.

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Brother v brother, mate v mate

In a hotly contested game, the Thirds beat the Crocodiles by 18 points. It was the usual family affair, with the Lowe and Connors brothers on opposing teams, and three Exells playing together in the Thirds.

What it means:

• Thirds have clinched a second semi berth with three games to play
• Crocs are second with two to play. They meet fifthe places St Bernard's next week and can clinch a top-two berth too

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SCORES

Crocs

BEST: D'Arcy O'Shannassy, William Bryce, Ed MacIsaac, Edward Ralph, AdamMacIsaac, Jack Lowe

GOALS:  William Bryce 2, Nicholas McGrath 2, Alistair Barr 1, Alex Eden Lachowicz 1, Josh Lyon 1, Matt Perrett 1, Edward Ralph 1

Thirds

BEST: Dan McCarthy, Ricky Wood, Matt Exell, Tom Mantesso, Noah Johnson, Sam Asdagi

GOALS: Sam Asdagi 2, Tom Bourne 2, Will Stevens 2, Fred Visentini 2, Harrison Exell 1, Matt Exell 1, Will MacIsaac 1, Ricky Wood 1

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Trist terrific in SKOB shutdown

The Menages led all day at Toorak Park and cleaned up arch-rival SKOB by 35 points. The Red 'n' Blacks won all four terms, with Tommy Trist the standout. Youngster Matt Handley booted three in a promising effort.

What it means:

The Menages have three games left and sit in third spot, a game behind Old Trinity, whom they meet next week. A win is essential, as the Triangles face the top-ranked OX 23s in the Round 16 home and away finale.

SCORES

BEST: Tommy Trist, Rory Calvert, Edison Ponari, Will Honan, Tom Paul, Xavier Romanin-Green

GOALS: Matt Handley 3, Gerard Forrest 2, Seb Knox 2, Harry McCarthy 2, Rory Calvert 1

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23s dump De La

Oscar Smart was best and Frankie O'Callaghan booted three to poer the 23s over De La at Dairy Bell.

The visitors dominated all but the third term, and won by 53 points.

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What it means:

The 23s are top of the table with three to go. They should clinch a top two finish with a win this week.

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SCORES

BEST: Oscar Smart, Charlie Hummerston, Sam Noonan, Aaron Ivak, Edward Logan, Ned Lyons

GOALS: Francis O’Callaghan 3, Connor Briscoe 1, Joe Corser 1, Aaron Ivak 1, Edward Logan 1, Eddie Paul 1, Stefan Stangherlin 1, Will Troy 1

T-Birds tame Hoes

James McCarthy led the Xaverian charge in a solid four-quarter win at Toorak Park.

What it means:

Three to play, top of the ladder and certain to play in the second-semi.

SCORES

BEST: James McCarthy, Angus McCormack, Max Murphy, Finnegan Kuner, Luke Fares, Chris Crisostomos

GOALS: James McCarthy 2, Angus McCormack 2, William McCormack 2, James Crawford 1, Luke Fares 1, Ted Hansen 1, Eddie Paul 1