OLDXAVS.com                                        June 03 News

28 June '03

R11: 1s - OF FAITH, HOPE AND ABSOLUTELY NO CHARITY: RELENTLESS, RAVENOUS, RUTHLESS RED 'N' BLACKS  SMASH SORE AND SORRY SNAKEPITTERS

The sun shone bright on the old St Bernards' home, but at 4:40pm today, the real glow came from the final numbers in the frame. 

But let's put things in some kind of perspective.  Bernards took the field against Old Xavs today without several of their best players.  

Still, the Snakepit has proven to be a graveyard over the years for better credentialed Xaverian teams and this one promised to be an arm-wrestle.

The real contest lasted but a quarter.  The Xavs kicked away to a handy lead at the half, held their own in the third quarter and buried any idea of a Bernards' revival in a brutal final quarter display.

The win kept Old Xavs in second spot and added some welcome percentage, but the afterglow of this victory will disappear very quickly as minds turn to the big clash with Scotch at Shark Park next Saturday.

The wise heads know there is much  business still to be done this winter and the lid is well and truly on at Toorak Park.  Even if the song was a little louder than usual . . .

The home team was well clear and the large Bernards' throng gathered in front of the social club  accorded the Old Xaverian players a half-time reception dripping in faith and hope but rather lacking in anything approaching charity.  But that was last year.

Fast forward to this afternoon. This time, there was no advice from these same good folk as the Xavs filed in at the half.  Perhaps the warm winter sunshine had driven them indoors, or simply that the Bernies crowd paused for silent reflection about a first half that saw the reigning premier and flag favourite down by seven goals.  Indeed, the only invective emanating all afternoon from the home crowd was directed at their own.  

And while a Nescafe moment might have repaired their half-time gloom, the full-time deficit of 110 points demanded self-medication with elixirs somewhat more robust.

The fans, of course, were a mere footnote to one of the most relentless and ruthless performances ever seen from an Old Xaverians team.  

From the outset, the Xavs looked the better team, with their midfielders providing drive and their defenders holding firm under pressure. Despite the early dominance of James Drake and two early goals to Landrigan, it was not until siren time that the Red 'n' Blacks established any ascendancy on the scoreboard.  At the change, the Xavs led by a goal, a paltry reward for a great quarter.

That was as close as the Bernies ever came.  The defence stepped up yet another notch and stymied the efforts of a star-studded forward line.  The Xavs won the clearances and swarmed forward with regularity.  This time there was real reward - a seven goal quarter, with six different contributors, including David Walsh from outside the arc and James Drake from out of nowhere after winning a no-chance contest.

Bernards managed three goals for the half, whereas the Xavs picked up three of its second quarter goals directly from herculean efforts to tackle and smother.  

The Xavs returned after half-time determined to thwart any comeback - the reigning premier scored early, but McDonnell replied with a long left footer on the run, a gem of a goal under pressure.  That shut Bernards down for the quarter and the Xavs went to lemon-time with a 57 point lead.

The best was yet to come.  Having slain the beast, the Xavs carved it and picked its carcass clean.    For their part, the Bernies managed 3 goals, their best quarter on the scoresheet, but the Red 'n' Blacks played inspiring football, winning almost every contest and obliterating their opposition with a 12 goal stanza. 

Such a victory would not have been possible without the solid efforts and performances of all 21 players.  By consensus, it seemed that Ockleshaw, Orlando, Drake and Chatfield were clearly in the Xavs best - but to rank them in order, or to try rating the next dozen or more better players would have provoked argument.  Such was this team performance.

St Bernards were down on personnel and confidence and could not match it against their opponents, who offered them no charity.  Watchers of VAFA football know that Bernies will bounce back from two consecutive losses and that come finals time, they will be back to their dangerous best.

So where does this leave the Xaverians?  The vagaries of the A Section competition dictate that any team is only as good as its last performance and we have seen already this season that upsets are the norm.  There are no prizes of a lasting kind awarded for mid-season triumphs, and none will be awarded for this one.  The four points and a boost in percentage are bankable assets, but the Red 'n' Blacks must now travel to Shark Park to do it again, this time against Scotch, which has jumped two large hurdles in the past fortnight to revive their chances of a September commitment. 

The Xavs will have memories of the early season shootout against the Cardinal, but the Magi of the Mound anticipate a return contest of different character and indeed hope for a different result.  

Even ace reporter Chris Vernuccio waxed lyrical:

They came and they conquered.  So ruthless and clinical, in fact, that they banished their opposition to an 111-point annihilation.

St. Bernard’s had not lost at home at the ‘Snakepit’ all season, but the mighty Old Xaverians had the audacity to slam through 25 goals, consigning the Bernie’s to their first home defeat of the season, 25.13 (163) to 7.10 (53).

Bolstered by the inclusions of Adam Chatfield, Scott Mollard and Sam Johnston, Old Xaverians coach Michael Sholly said that his teams win not an upset.

“I think that’s a bit unfair.  I reckon we’re playing really well.  Honestly, I thought we would’ve won our last two games by 10 goals if we had kicked straight. 

 “We were coming in (this game) with plenty of possession, plenty of players in good form, plus we bolstered our side.  We were getting strengthened, week by week.”

James Drake was dominant early and Dave Landrigan slotted two first-quarter goals after starting the game up forward.  A goal before the siren by captain Lachlan Ford allowed the Xavs to go into the first change six-points clear.

That provided the impetus for a seven-goal quarter for Old Xavs, which belied this contest's top-of-table status.

 “I thought once it (the game) settled down we looked like we were the better side.  There was no grand message (at quarter time).  The message was to keep playing the way you are,” said Sholly.

Damien Orlando broke the game open with his dazzling runs off centre half-back, enabling quick rebounds and space for the Xavs forwards.

A home side revival appeared to be on the cards, when Dan Jordan scored an early third quarter goal for the reigning premier. But goals to James McDonnell, Mollard and Drake as well as a miserly defence led Andrew Biddlecombe and David Walsh, playing his best game of the season, stymied St. Bernard's hopes.

Old Xaverians continued to treat their opponents with contempt, piling on a further 12 goals in the final term, with Mollard kicking four and doubles to Baker, Adam Chatfield and Tim Ockleshaw.

Ockleshaw again provided Old Xavs with first use of the ball, continually winning the ball from the stoppages and around the ground, despite being tagged.

In short, the Xavs had winners all over the ground.  “I haven’t done my best (players) yet, but I reckon everyone played well,” grinned Sholly.

 Percentage has denied Old Xaverians of top-spot status, but the next two weeks will prove vital to their season fortunes, coming up against their early season conquerors Old Scotch and Marcellin.

ST BERNARDS        2.3     3.6      4.9      7.10       (52)
OLD XAVERIANS  3.3   10.6    13.10   25.13   (163)
Goals: Mollard 6 Chatfield 4 Baker 3 Drake 3 Ockleshaw 3 Landrigan 2 Ford Walsh McDonnell A.Bowen

Best:   Ockleshaw Chatfield Drake Orlando McDonnell Baker

R11 - THE WRAP

2s: Slow start kills off chances

ST. BERNARD’S     6.2   8.6   9.9   13.11  (89)

OLD XAVERIANS  0.0   2.1   4.3      6.7   (43)

Goals: Green 4, Dillon, Ainsworth

Best: Hawkins, Dillon, Coughlan, Green, Ryan, Healy

3s: Selection mysteries taking their toll?

OLD XAVERIANS    3.1   4.3   7.3    8.6    (54)
FITZROY REDS        2.2   3.6   6.8   8.10  (58)
Goals: Lytleton 2, McCarthy 2, Gleeson, Ireland, Spillane, Silk. 

Best: Silk, Lawrence, Lyttleton, Jones, Ralph, Ford.

U19: Debut Dan fires Xavs

ST KEVINS              4.3   6.8   9.11   13.14  (92)
OLD XAVERIANS 4.2    7.6  12.7     15.8   (98)
Goals: Rush 7, A. Ryan 2, Scanlan 2, Gorman 2, Roache, Ginnivan. 

Best: McDonnell, Purcell, Rush, Gidley, Barrett, Fusinato.

Scoobys: Started late and finished early

OLD XAVERIANS    0.1     4.2     7.5   7.6       (48)

BANYULE                   5.5   6.11 10.12 16.19   (115)

Goals: Martin 3, Silk 2, Adams, Vaughan

Best: Martin, Silk, Adams, Chester, Vaughan, Trovato

Crocs: Percentage booster

OLD IVANHOE      0.0    2.2    2.0      4.3     (27)
OLD XAVERIANS 5.4     9.7   17.8    24.9  (153)
Goals : R. George 6, Davies 3, Holmes 3, Blcom 3, L. Hardwick 3, Fitzgerald 2, M. Hardwick, Rathgeber, Jones, Erskine.

Best: Erskine, R. George, Rathgeber, Beetham, Curnow, Jones

27 June '03

DESTINATION SNAKEPIT

Get ready for an epic tussle next Saturday as the Xavs take that drive, that long, sinister drive to the home of the reigning premiers, the unwelcoming, uninviting  Snakepit.

The Xavs will attempt to win for the first time in a while at Bernards.  And it won't be easy. 

As usual, the crowd and the welcome will be hostile, no doubt looking for a new whipping boy to replace Michael Blood.

The A Section frontrunners came back to earth last week against a classy Scotch, which set up its ascendancy in the first quarter.

Bernies have been kicking massive scores, with the pattern usually including a particularly high scoring quarter(s), which are notable for their kicking of six or seven goals in bursts. 

Last year's double act of Harvey and Danny Jordan up forward has been complemented by the return of state representative McKeon, giving them considerable big man fire power.

The usual suspects in Byrne, Ben Jordan, Smith, and Turnbull continue to amass possessions. 

A crucial component of the game will be the battle between the star studded Bernies' forwards and the Old Xavs backline. 

Bernards are the highest scoring team in the competition, with 1328 points from ten
games.  Only two other sides are over 1000 !! (OH and OS, both on 1055). 

On the other hand, the Red 'n'Blacks back-line has conceded the least  in the competition, just 753 points, followed by Marcellin with 827 and Bernies again on 830. 

With many teams still in contention for the final four, the Xavs must keep winning.  It's a tough month ahead, and no game will be tougher than this Saturday's encounter.  Beat Bernies!

The 2s also face the top-ranked team in their comp, but there are signs that the Xavs are beginning to settle down after a spluttering start.

The possible return of several players from injury might add to the strength of the lineup, but the Bernards appear to have enormous depth this year.

The U19s face SKOB, whose junior team has not run into the same trouble as their elders.  It is an important game for the Xavs.  Then again, they are all important.

May the best teams win, as long as they are wearing Old Xavs ' jumpers.

22 June '03

XAVS MISS PUTTS BUT TAKE POINTS

The Old Xavs had a convincing win against Trinity at Toorak Park yesterday, despite its goal radar being totally out of synch. 

After a closely contested first half, the Red 'n' Blacks broke the game open in the third and were never seriously challenged for the points.

It was a fairly even performance from the team, which sits but a game from top position.

While the 3s had a bye, all other teams registered victories to keep September hopes alive.

FIRST GAMERS

Coach Sholly blooded another two first gamers against Trinity, with Chris Santalucia and Cadyn Beetham (at left, click for larger pic) turning out at 2pm yesterday.

Both proved handy and CEO Kevin O'Shaughnessy believes that both of these Barkers Road boys can contribute to the winning formula. Well done on your debuts!

THE MAGNIFICENT 7

The old famous number 7, Simon Lethlean returned to the Xavs in the early fixture after some months in Sydney, and displayed the scintillating skills that have earned him the nickname Jars.  Welcome back! 

Jars' profile here

RAZOR SHARPER

All Amateur football fans will be happy to learn that OXFC team manager extraordinaire Ray McLean is out of hospital and doing better.  Get well soon Razor, and see you back at Toorak Park.

23 June '03

R10 WRAP

1s: 

After a competitive first half, the Xavs attacked relentlessly in the third quarter and shut down the Trinity menace for good.  While the reward on the scoreboard did not match the endeavour of the home team, the complete lack of opportunity for the visitors made their task impossible.

Perhaps the strongest indication that came from this Round 10 encounter is that Coach Sholly now has at his disposal plenty of players who are capable of performance at a Section level.

With several players unavailable through injury and another pair late withdrawals, there was anxiety among some that change might unsettle.  Not so.  Rich Carey began brilliantly, toweling up the vaunted Ramsden in the ruck and taking some nice grabs around the ground.

The on-ballers benefited from Carey’s largesse and engineered many forward thrusts.  Nick Baker was both prominent and efficient. The Killer Bees, Biddlecombe and Bingham, got on top early and stayed on top, providing a lot of run and rebound.

Old stagers John Bowen and Dave Landrigan played key roles as did James Drake and Lachlan Ford, while first gamers Santalucia  and Beetham had some nice touches.

It was a game that the Old Xavs could not afford to lose. They didn’t.  The entire benefit of the victory became evident on Sunday, with Haileybury going down to Ivanhoe, and the Red ‘n’ Blacks reassuming second spot. Dare they dream about first?

Ace reporter Chris Vernuccio was at the game:

Another win sees Old Xaverians hold outright second spot in the VAFA A Section making next week’s top-of-the-table-clash against St. Bernard’s a mouth-watering affair.  But Old Xaverians still have work to do if they are to repeat their early season heroics when they defeated their Grand Final conquerers by 27 points in Round Two at Toorak Park.

As has been the case for most of the season, Old Xaverians let themselves down by skill errors in and around the forward line.

“I think it (skill errors) was indicative of the fact we were kicking points.  They (the players) lost a bit of confidence,” Old Xavs coach Michael Sholly lamented.

Old Trinity still had a sniff midway through the final quarter when the margin became two goals, even though they had managed only three goals since quarter-time.

Two goals to Orlando and one to Pasceri killed off the game with the wasteful Xavs winning 10.21 (81) to 6.11 (47).

The Old Xaverians’ faithful were in raptures after eight minutes of the first quarter when James Scanlan grabbed the football out of a pack and found a teammate loose in the forward pocket. The first-gamer with the No. 29 on his back calmly went back and slotted Old Xaverians’ first goal of the game.

The player, of course, was  former St. Kilda and Xavier College first XVIII captain Caydn Beetham, playing his first game for the Xavs.  He finished the game with two goals, was hard at the ball and helped set up goals.  His handball to Ockleshaw who kicked Xavs fourth goal 12 minutes into the second quarter put the Xavs in front for the first time.

One of  Old Xavs best, James Drake, made sure his side would not relinquish that lead.

“He  (Drake) was down a bit last week and had the fumbles last week (but) he got his game back,” said Sholly.

Drake was fantastic on the half-forward line, often finding the ball with considerable ease and also helped himself to two goals.

“He’s a vital player for us across half-forward.  If he can mark across half-forward he adds a new dimension and is a huge plus for us.”

OLD XAVERIANS 2.3   5.8   7.16   10.21  (81)
OLD TRINITY       3.5   4.8   5.9        6.11  (47)
Goals: Beetham 2 Drake 2 Orlando 2 Ford Ockleshaw McDonnell Pasceri

Best: Landrigan Ford J Bowen Drake Bingham Biddlecombe.

2s: 

OLD XAVERIANS    4.4   8.4   10.5    15.8  (98)
OLD TRINITY           1.1   4.4     6.5      9.6  (60)
Goals: Stoney 3, Lethlean 3, Higgins 2, Hannebery, O'Kane, Ryan, Hawkins, Fox, Hardman, Sapuppo

Best: Lethlean, Hawkins, Howard, Higgins, Hulett, Hannebery.
 

3s: BYE

U19s: 

OLD XAVERIANS     4.4   7.4    10.8    15.9  (99)
OLD BRIGHTON       1.1    3.1      5.3      6.4  (40)
Goals: Scanlan 5, Roache 4, A.Ryan 3, McDonnell, Gidley, Nadinic. 

Best: A. Ryan, Scanlan, Roache, Barrett, McDonnell, O'Hanlon

Scoobys: Stayin' alive

AQUINAS O C                2.3   5.3   6.4   8.5       (53)

OLD XAVERIANS         1.2    7.5   9.8  12.13   (85)

Goals: Tom McInerney 3, David Quinn 2, Mark Trovato 2, Danny Meehan 2, Adam Faithful 2.
Best: Mark Trovato, Steve Ryan, Nick Silk, Tom Corrigan, Matt Kenfield, Tom McInerney.

Crocs: So you win again . . .

OLD XAVERIANS   0.2   1.2   3.7   8.10   (58)
ST KEVINS                3.1   4.4   5.7    6.8    (44)
Goals: Goals: L Hardwick 3, Erskine 2, Curnow, Davies, Perry. 

Best: Hall, Rathgeber, Perry, Landrigan, Erskine, Fay

15 June '03

JUST HALFWAY

The back nine is about to begin and the Old Xavs turn for the clubhouse at 6-3.

The Xavs remained in equal second spot after defeating OMs in a low scoring encounter at a blustery Toorak Park.

Nothing is set in stone however as A Section continues to throw up even contests.  The return bout with Trinity this Saturday is vital.

OT's form has been good of late and they will be keen to atone for yesterday's loss to Bernies.   The Bulleen Tiger Snakes' resurgence has been on the back of established players in Lincoln Reynolds up forward; Andrew Ramsden
rucking but also pushing forward and kicking goals; boom recruit Andrew Cultrera roving, along with fellow on-ballers Paul Gnatt and Dermot Dann, whilst Gabriel Deane-Johns continues to hold their back-line together.

Stalwarts Van Der Veene and Burrows should be around to assist their mix,whilst their winning streak coincided with the inclusion of boom recruit Andrew Williams who has kicked goals and, along with Reynolds, turned their forward line into a potent force.

For the Old Xavs part, the selection for last Saturday of 2000 U19 captain Robert Speekman, along with the promotion of Reserves Captain David Walsh (for his first senior game since being dropped on the eve of the 1998 finals), has brought the number of players used by Sholly thus far to thirty three. This number includes eight who have made their senior debut this year.

A year ago, Old Xavs were cherry ripe and riding high at the mid-season, but collapsed somewhat to fall into the finals, and by sheer happenstance, the double chance.

A repeat performance won't cut the muster this winter.

The club is in excellent shape with the 3s and Crocs atop the ladder, the U19s in the top four and the Scoobys pressing.

15 June '03

BREAKING NEWS: Stars to sign on dotted line . . .

Yes, you read it here first.  Old Xavs stars China and Peos will soon sign the heads of agreement to ensure that another Croc Rock happens real soon.

15 Jun '03

A TRADITION RETURNS

Middle Park buzzed as it does only on Grand Prix weekends with the staging of the 59th Old Xaverians  Croc Rock.  It was a night of drama, with Ralph O'Shaughnessy missing the mercy flight from Sydney after the Swans game and being absent from a Croc Rock for the first time.

Croc Rock organisers were happy with the turnout, and believe that it's drawing power might lead to crowds of over a thousand at future events. 

Described by one Croc Rock veteran as "a good old fashioned drink", this scribe cannot relate the full tale, as he left early.  One who remained reports that the evening was extremely pleasant and that all attendees behaved impeccably.

Click on the thumbnail pics for larger versions and hit "Back" button on browser to return . . .

14 Jun '03

R9: 1s - XAVS WIN UGLY 

It certainly wasn't a game that will go down in the annals, but wins are wins, and any win against OMs makes the after-game libation taste just a little sweeter.

The Xavs won the first half and there would have been few at Toorak Park who believed anything other than a home victory was inevitable.  However, OMs hung in and made a better contest of the third and final quarters.

The conditions - swirling wind, cold and occasional raindrops and at times, the level of skills on display made for a fairly miserable afternoon for lovers of the game.  Football was not the winner - the Old Xavs were, because they displayed superior commitment amid circumstances that would try more patient men and occasionally showed flashes of style and system that was good enough to get the job done.

And then, of course, there was the uncanny brilliance of Timothy Ockleshaw . . .

Champagne Chris Vernuccio saw it this way:

Entering the halfway mark of the Amateur season, results have exceeded any expectations Old Xaverians might have had at the start of the season.

In cold, blustery conditions, the Xavs, kicking against a three-goal breeze in the first quarter were able to close the term on level pegging with their opposition, leading Old Melburnians 2.3 (15) to 2.2 (14).

Led by Tim Ockleshaw, Nick McInerney and James Scanlan, the Xavs dominated the contested possession, putting their bodies on the line to win the hard ball.

In conditions not suited to fancy football, Old Xavs were committed to performing the one-percenters.  They were relentless in their tackling, smothering and knock-ons in order to keep the ball moving forward.

There was a high level of discipline shown, with Xavs' players quick to support and run in numbers.

Late in the first term, defenders Biddlecombe, Lachlan Ford, Dave Landrigan and Nathan Bingham found themselves pushing up to the wing to assist their midfielders, which inevitably led to Old Xaverians second goal of the quarter through James Drake.

Kicking with the wind, Old Xaverians were able to break clear, with a five goal to nil second term.  Again, it was Ockleshaw and McInerney who dominated, controlling the centre clearances and stoppages.  Scanlan also provided some grunt with his tackle-breaking bullocking runs down the wings.

John Pasceri proved damaging out of the forward zone as he revelled in the conditions, kicking two goals as well as setting up a couple.

“He (Pasceri) is a good and player and kicked three goals (for the game) and could’ve ended up with five.  He’s such a valuable goal kicker,” remarked Old Xavs coach Michael Sholly.

Pasceri has become such an integral part of the make-up and success of this Old Xaverian team, and coach Michael Sholly often turns to him to provide a spark to lift his team.

Opposition sides are aware of his match-winning contributions, yet he easily disposed of four Old Melburnian opponents.

“(We moved Pasceri into the centre) especially when we were kicking against the breeze.  He gives us a spark when we chuck him in there,” continued Sholly.

Ruckman Andrew Oswald was thrown into the forward line midway through the quarter and had an immediate impact with a handball leading to Pasceri’s second goal and a tackle causing the ball to spill to Andrew Bowen to slot through Old Xavs fourth goal for the quarter.

The game should have been dead and buried with Old Xaverians looking to have done enough to win the game by obtaining a 17-point lead entering the final quarter.  Up until that stage, 14 goals were scored by the team aided by the breeze, while only four goals were kicked at the opposite end of the ground.

Old Xaverians nearly shot themselves in the foot by managing eight final quarter behinds as they hung on for seven-point win, 9.16 (70) to 10.3 (63). 

“It was just disappointing, we didn’t kick a goal in the last quarter.  We had double the scoring shots and we (only) win by seven points.  We scored 13 behinds after quarter time.  It’s a bit frustrating,” said Sholly.

OLD XAVERIANS        2.3    7.7   9.8   9.16  (70)
OLD MELBURNIANS 2.2    2.2    7.3  10.3  (63)
Goals: Pasceri 3 A Bowen 2 Baker Drake Johnston J Bowen. 
Best: Ockleshaw Orlando Scanlan Ford A Bowen Pasceri. 

 14 Jun '03

R9: SCOOBYS WIN 3 QUARTERS, LOSE GAME

The Scoobys ventured to Deakin University Burwood to play a ‘danger game’ against a similarly placed St. Leo’s Emmaus. Winter had well and truly arrived with the weather conditions by far the worst experienced for the season with strong blustery winds. 

The Scooby’s began well with Adams, Silk and Kenfield all excellent in defense, while McInerney was ‘on-fire’ up forward kicking a couple of early goals. 

At the main break the Xavs held a comfortable 12 point lead and looked likely runaway winners. However, St. Leo’s had a remarkable form turnaround in the third and were unstoppable with a game winning quarter performance. Trovato, White and Adams did their best to halt the attack as Leo’s piled on 13 scoring shots to the Xav’s 2. 

In the final quarter, the Scoobys played very determined and passionate footy but the ‘bird had flown’ and the Xavs were unable to reel in St. Leo’s. Three very good dominant quarters of footy were not enough to beat the Leo’s and the boys will now anxiously await a rematch later in the year to square the ledger.

OLD XAVERIANS         4.2   5.5    6.6     8.8      (56)

ST LEO’S EMMAUS      2.3   3.5    9.12  10.15    (75)

Goals: McInerney 2, French, Rees, Bowlby, Martin, Trovato, Faithful

Best: Adams, S.Ryan, Trovato, Kenfield, White, Rees

9 Jun '03

RIVALRY RESUMES

Hostilities between two of amateur football's greatest rivals will resume on Saturday as Old Melburnians travel to Toorak Park for their R9 clash with Old Xavs.

The Xavs have not met OMs since the latter were controversially dumped from A Section a couple of years ago and will relish the return of the

It's a clash that has amateur football fans licking their lips in anticipation.  Mind you, after yet another week of no VAFA fixtures, just about anything the Ammos throw up would be acceptable, but this one promises to be a beauty despite the several hammerings OMs have taken recently.

All teams should be confident of grabbing the points this Saturday, which would be a lovely lead-in to the resurrected Croc Rock , which will take place later on Saturday night.

Congrats to Adam Chatfield and Tim Ockleshaw, who wore the Big V against WA yesterday.  Vic coach Nick Bourke would have been fairly happy with his charges, as they strolled to a 173 point victory over the Sandgropers at Subiaco. 

We look forward to the return bout in Melbourne next year, but for now it's back to the all-important business of making the finals.

1 Jun '03

BLACK DAY AT  THE BADLANDS

Winter arrived a day early at the blustery Badlands as the undermanned Old Xavs went down to Haileybury in a close one.  A stirring chase and tackle by Rich Carey and a resulting goal brought life to the visitors with 10 minutes to go, but the wind and some wild kicking got in the way.

Thanks to the topsy-turvy nature of A Section, the Red 'n' Blacks retain second spot, level on points with several other teams.

The 2s suffered a similar fate, with the game in doubt until nearly two o'clock.  

The 3s were n the wrong end of a hiding, their first loss this year, while the U19s struggled against Scotch.

The good news was provided by the Scoobys, who won a squeaker and the omnipotent Crocs, who dispatched De  La.

Good luck to our boys who will wear the Big White V next weekend in Perth, while the traditional Queen's Birthday bye has the rest of us wondering about the upside of an Australian Republic.

A gentle reminder that ski season opens next weekend.  Please ignore it.

Breaking News from the Over My Dead Body Department . . . Croc Rock is back and coming soon to an RSL Hall near you.  The madness has begun again.

1 June '03

R8: 3s - MENAGE À TUMBLE

In a disappointing game, the Menages slumped to their biggest ever loss.  The best thing to be gained from the game is from a strategic point of view in that the side is now aware of the Old Essendon game plan and their better players.  Given that they are likely to be the Xavs' chief opposition in the finals this year, this could prove to be a key “win”.

The Xavs match-ups and game plan after half-time evened up the contest and if they had taken their set shot opportunities, the Red 'n' Blacks would have comfortably won the second half on the scoreboard.

Tackling and footskills will be the key focus for the remainder of the season. If the Xavs improve these skills, they can cover Old Essendon, as they showed in the second half. 

The first quarter was disastrous in all aspects of the game. The quarter was probably summarized by the fact that the goal the Xavs kicked was disallowed by illegal shepherding in the goal square. They were given a lesson in how to switch the ball by foot with accuracy and move the ball into the forward line with foot skills. The Xavs employed 3 spare men on the defensive side just as OE did, but inferior foot skills let them down.

Warren Erfurth and Chris Knott were two players who stood out in a disappointing half of football.

At half time,  team plans were reassessed and commitments made to play  accountable football. This rattled Essendon, but the Xavs inability to finish hurt them. An OE player was sent off  but both sides scored 1 goal 2 behinds for the quarter. If the Xavs could have added some score board pressure to the physical pressure, then Old Essendon may have unraveled.

Lawrence typified Xavs' desire to make an impact and his effort, being their only genuine tall, was magnificent. He is only going to get better and will be pulling in 10 marks a game by the end of the season, with the focus on him being a one touch player. Hoare, Knott and McInerney really started exerted some mid field pressure and rung up possessions. Warry was fantastic in shutting down a guy that had kicked 4 goals at the half way mark of the second quarter.

Three missed set shots in the final quarter followed by Essendon bagging 3 goals straight with their only 3 forward thrusts for the quarter was telling. The team effort and single mindedness to inflict our will on the opposition in the second half truly was excellent.

Finally despite a very good game against Essendon, it was a disappointing finish for “Rocket” Rod Calhaem.  At the after match function, he went too hard too early and was unable to complete the game, being dragged at 8.00pm with a heart injury.

OLD ESSENDON    5.3   10.7   11.8   14.9   (93)
OLD XAVERIANS  0.1     1.2      2.5     3.8   (26)

Goals:   Furletti, Harley, McInerney
Best:     Erfurth, Ainsworth, McInerney, Knott, Calhaem, Lawrence, Hoare

1 June '03

R8: U19 (2) - RIGHT SAID FRED

The Old Xaverians U19(2)s continued their sensational form in May with a thrilling 2 point victory over La Trobe University. Returning to Victoria Park, the Scoobys kept their 2003 unbeaten home record intact and have now won four out of their past five games. 

The Scoobys dominated the play in the opening quarter but failed to put any scoreboard pressure on the ‘students’. The Xav’s defence was bomb-proof and couldn’t be penetrated. Conke and Adams were good in the backline, while White didn’t allow their full forward to get a sniff. Julian Martin relished his new role in the forward line and was lively in the first. 

Despite being in control for most of the second quarter the Scoobys were unable to dispose of the opposition, partially due to some inaccurate kicking and poor goal scoring. Martin continued his form in the second and was creating huge problems for the opposition. 

In the third quarter the Scoobys failed to fire. Rogan, Vaughan and Rees played well, but La Trobe were dominant from the stoppages and had the edge in the third. With the Xavs leading by only a single point, the final quarter was set up for a big finale. And neither team failed to disappoint. 

A combination of a dubious decision against the Xavs close to La Trobe’s goal and a ‘friendly bounce’ through the goals from a student kick was probably enough to make any team lie down. 

However, the Xavs quickly discovered that in a low scoring affair the game can be ever in doubt until the final siren sounds, and that with some real heart they could still secure the 4 points. 

Despite having a rather quiet 3 quarters, Adam Faithful become the Scooby’s shining light. A long bomb from outside 50 and some brilliant crumbing efforts and the Xavs found themselves down by only 4 points. With only seconds remaining and a ball-up on the edge of the Xavs goal line, some ‘Scooby magic’ was required. 

The ball was tapped down and amongst the 30 players that surrounded the ball, Adam Faithful managed to get boot to ball and it floated through to put the team up by 2 points. The umpire bounced the ball in the centre square and seconds later the final siren sounded. What a win!

OLD XAVERIANS         1.3   3.7  4.8  7.11  (53)

FITZROY REDS             1.0   3.3  4.7  7.9    (51)

GOALS: Martin, Faithful 2, Chester, Bowlby, McInerney

BEST: Martin, Rogan, Rees, Vaughan, White, Faithful

1 Jun '03

R8 - NOW THE SCORES FROM THE GAMES YOU DIDN'T SEE . . .

1s: Frustrating day at the Badlands as Old Xavs miss crucial targets and goals by Chris Vernuccio

After eight rounds of the VAFA A grade, only one thing is for certain.  St. Bernards’s will be around for finals.  Seven of the remaining nine clubs will be fighting each other to ensure they are around for September action.

Four teams are locked on five wins, with Old Xaverians and Old Haileybury being two of them, but the Xavs will rue an opportunity slip that would’ve have seen them have a grasp of second spot on the ladder.

Battling against a strong breeze, Old Xavs had worked hard to build an 18-point lead entering the time-on period of the second quarter.

Like their encounters against Old Ivanhoe and St. Kevin’s, Old Xaverians could have had the game only to be let down by poor goal kicking.

At one stage,  Old Xavs had twice the number of scoring shots, 16 to 8, but they did not convert that into scoreboard pressure.

“We had all the play but it was difficult to score.  I think at the 20-miniute mark of the second quarter it was 13 or 14 inside 45’s to 4 (in Old Xaverians’ favour).  So we had all the play and only got one goal,” lamented Old Xaverians’ coach Michael Sholly.

This time, though, Old Haileybury saw an opening and pounced on the opportunity.

Goals to Siapantas, Lappage and Forsyth gave Old Haileybury a 2-point half-time lead.

“We just couldn’t convert.  We should have come in at half-time two goals up (and then) kicking with the breeze and maybe they (Old Haileybury) should have been chasing 5 goals at three-quarter time,” Sholly continued.

From that point onwards the game became a tussle with both sides finding the windy conditions difficult.

But again, it hurt Old Xavs where it mattered, on the scoreboard.

Nearing the end of the third term, Old Xavs were 7-points down with costly misses bringing Xavs behind the eight ball entering the final quarter against the breeze.

In the closing stages of that third term, Nick McInerny’s great vision saw Tim Ockleshaw in front of goal with his attempt hammering into the post.

Xavs had another chance to slot through a goal when John Pasceri led and latched onto a McInerney pass after his run through the centre.  Again the shot went agonisingly close.

James Drake had the chance to put Old Xaverians in front at three-quarter time after his mark on the siren.  But the best his effort could do was hit the behind post.

Langford-Jones managed to put Old Haileybury in front by 10 points early in the last term, but the Xavs kept on plugging away.

Pasceri was switched in the midfield at the centre bounces to add some spark through the centre.

Ockleshaw, McInerney, Biddlecome, Orlando, Dave Landrigan and Pasceri continually won the ball and propelled the Xavs forward but their efforts were wasted due to more misses in front of the big sticks.

Landrigan goaled to put Xavs one goal down to keep the contest interesting.  But goals to Siapantas and Lappage sealed the result for Old Haileybury.

OLD HAILEYBURY 3.3   7.6    9.7    12.13   (85)

OLD XAVERIANS     4.5   6.10 7.15    9.17   (71)

Goals: Pasceri 3, Landrigan 2, Mollard, Scanla, Ockleshaw, Johnston. 

Best: Biddlecombe, Mollard, Ockleshaw, Landrigan, Johnston, McInerney.

2s: Xavers fall short in the gale

OLD HAILEYBURY 2.1   4.4   5.5   8.10   (58)
OLD XAVERIANS     3.1   3.2   6.5   7.6     (48)
Goals:  Stoney 2, D. Walsh 2, Wilson, Hardman, Woodruff. 

U19: 19s hammered by the Cardinal

OLD SCOTCH 5.4 8.6 8.11 18.16(124 )

OLD XAVERIANS 3.4 4. 6.13 6.14 (50)

Goals: Corcoran, Chapman, Ryan, Freer, Barrett, Nolan 

Best: Ryan, Scanlan, Freer, J McDonnell, Nadinic, Armstrong

Crocs: Another day, another victory . . .

DE LA SALLE         2.4,    5.4    6.6    8.6       (54)
OLD XAVERIANS 2.4     6.9    8.12 12.15   (87)
Goals: Davies 3, L.Hardwick 3, P.George 2, J.Hardwick 1, Jones 1, R.George 1, Perry 1

Best: Davies, Rathgeber, Curnow, Jones, Erskine, Ockleshaw.