October 13, 2024
WEEK 3 WRAP
What a day!
A Century of the Red & Black
A solid weekend for the Red 'n' Blacks, with eight victories against three losses.
Brighton Beach Oval has not proved a particularly happy hunting ground for the Old Xavs. It won there last year in handsome style, finishing a sterling contest full of run and vigour to smash a lengthy losing streak. But with premiership points at a real premium and five sides still a chance for the second semi-final or missing September altogether, the game promised to be tight. And for ten minutes in the third term, it was.
The damage to Old Brighton, however, had been well and truly done in the first and early second terms, with the visitors on top all over the ground. The Claret and Stout was on its game from the outset, crashing through the Tonner midfield and defence and kicking straight. They continued in the same vein in the second term, thought their momentum slowed some as the long break approached.
Brighton hit back in the third, reining in the deficit. At one stage, they were just 12 points adrift, but the X-Men found their feet again and steadied. The final term was all Xavs, as they kicked away, playing some of their best football. Robinson and Stavrou, the midfield bulls, carved up the Beach Boys and provided opportunities galore for the men ahead of them. The goals came from ten different players, with eight managing multiples. The big XR Falcon, the fine-tuned muscle car, led the pack with four majors. At the back, Jack Whitehead and Ryan Schoenmakers led a cool defence, and the on ball-brigade offered drive all afternoon.
In the end, James Byrne's team won by 52 points in the drizzle, and the coach must have struggled to choose just six of his twenty-two to fill Xavs' best. Next week, a renewed rivalry with Collegians on the Trott. The clubs have met there seven times since 2011, and Xavs have won seven of them. The margins, nonetheless, have been close over half a decade. The Lions, coming off six straight wins, are hunting a finals spot and are just percentage behind the X-Men, and will not be easy to beat.
Goal Kickers: X. Richards 4, G. Valles 2, H. Troiani 2, D. Tuddenham 2, C. MacIsaac 2, M. Stavrou 2, J. Hewitt 2, S. Ralph 2, J. Gangi, D. Symeopoulos
Best Players: M. Stavrou, D. Robinson, J. Whitehead, X. Richards, H. Troiani, R. Schoenmakers
Top-placed Old Xavs remained on their mantle with a hard-fought win over the Tonners at BBO. The game was a see-saw affair, but the Red 'n' Blacks powered home in the final term to snatch the points. The legendary Chopper Handley booted three, as did his pocket-mate, while Ed Ralph and Ben Bilston-McGillen, both with limited experience at this level, were in everything and caught the eye of some seasoned observers.
Pics here.
Goal Kickers: M. Handley 3, H. Bell 3, B. Kennedy, T. Simmons, B. Bilston-McGillen, T. Amad
Best Players: E. Ralph, B. Bilston-McGillen, B. Egan, J. Dalbosco, F. Pearce, B. Kennedy
After a run of outs, the WOX returned to the winner's circle with a narrow win over West Brunswick. Audrey Rhodes slotted two in a BOG performance. It was an important victory for the Xavs, who now appeared to finish away from the cellar door. The WOX led at quarter time but conceded two goals in the second term. A goal apiece in the third set the scene for a nail biting final term, but the Magpies were held scoreless as the Xavs kicked the goal they need to win.
Goal Kickers: A. Rhodes 2, V. Murphy
Best Players: A. Rhodes, G. Golds, V. Murphy, G. Henderson, A. Benifer, M. Clarke
The WOX 2s took the field with just 15 players and did their best to stop the Magpies. All, not a lot of joy, but another gutsy performance
Best Players: B. Crowe, E. Craig, Z. Purcell, R. Paul, E. Stewart, M. Kelly
Another big win for Dan Rush's team over traditional rival SKOB. The unbeaten Xavs are hurtling toward the finals and have plenty of strong contributors. Yesterday, it was Hamish MacIsaac who led the way in the big win, but he had plenty of help.
Goal Kickers: T. Silvagni 3, S. Murray 2, W. Stevens 2, H. Basset, E. Kennedy, H. MacIsaac, K. Walford, W. Bowen, E. Niall
Best Players: H. MacIsaac, S. Murray, W. Bowen, H. Basset, W. Stevens, T. Silvagni
A tough loss for Batty's Boys, with the Brindisians just too strong.
Goal Kickers: C. Stepnell, B. Sherman, N. Gorman, W. Macisaac
Best Players: W. Jago, J. Nelson, N. Pozzi, N. Johnson, N. Gorman, J. Rosier
A nice come-from-behind win against the Unicorns, enabling the Red 'n' Blacks to stay in fourth place.
Matt Exell kicked five as the Blacks slammed St Bernard's at West Essendon.
Goal Kickers: M. Exell 5, B. Whelan 4, F. McCombe 2, A. McGowan, E. Hummerston, M. Salvatore
Best Players: B. Whelan, E. Hummerston, M. Salvatore, M. Exell, T. Barbakos, F. McCombe
Won on forfeit over University Blues
James Forrest kicked six and Tom Fantasia was best as the Menages rolled over Uni Blacks.
Pics here
Goal Kickers: J. Forrest 6, N. Lefebvre 3, M. Tempone 3, J. Hanger 3, S. Knox 2, M. Tempone, C. Impala, T. Beaton, S. Cleeve, L. Tobin, B. Curtis
Best Players: T. Fantasia, J. Forrest, D. Nash, J. Hanger, S. Cleeve, P. Beaton
Josh Lyon booted four and Hicham Nidam shone, but the 'Diles went down to Old Brighton at Xavier College. A big last quarter from the Tonners stunned the Lime Hose.
Goal Kickers: J. Lyon 4, L. Cotchett 2, L. Aikman, O. Renehan, C. Johnson, W. Wilson, J. Silk, H. Nidam
Best Players: H. Nidam, W. Wilson, C. Stratford, L. Aikman, L. Doquile, J. Lyon
