Vic premierships

by PAUL DAFFEY
ST BERNARD's OLD COLLEGIANS, the Amateurs club which many supporters wondered would ever add to its 1975 A-section premiership after failing in finals in recent years, defeated Old Xaverians by 31 points in an authoritative performance in the A-section grand final at Elsternwick Park.

Midfielder Danny Byrne, superb in scooting clear of packs with his customary balance and change of pace, kicked five goals in a best-on-ground performance that included a brilliant third quarter in which he peppered the goals. His fellow midfielder Ben Jordan was the ideal partner, placing his body at risk to scoop the ball from packs.

Small forward Sean Neeson kicked five goals in a courageous display that belied his 18 years, while Tim Harvey worked hard to present a target in attack. His fellow key forward, Dan Jordan, who had booted 19 goals in his previous two games, endured a dirty afternoon against Xavs veteran Chris Ellis, who was strong and disciplined at full-back.

Xavs captain Michael Blood confirmed his towering leadership qualities by kicking three goals after being shifted from ruck to centre half-forward in the last quarter. But in the end, Xavs' experience - the club fielded 15 A-section premiership players - was no match for the young legs and commitment of St Bernard's.

Ballarat league club Redan completed its comeback from the brink of extinction when it defeated Sunbury by 59 points to win its first premiership since John Northey coached the club to a flag in 1977. Redan almost folded four years ago, during a stretch in which it lost 55 consecutive games over four years.

At the Eastern Oval, the Lions booted eight goals in the last quarter to overturn the loss to Sunbury in the second semi-final. Full-back Mark Kennedy was best-on-ground while Luke Cooney won in the ruck.

Wangaratta Rovers were trying to achieve a fairytale of a different nature to Redan when it went into the Ovens and Murray grand final at Lavington hoping to farewell its prized veterans with victory. The Rovers' seven players with more than 200 games behind them, who formed the nucleus of the club's four premiership sides between 1988 and '94, fell short of a final flag together when North Albury won by 48 points at Lavington.

The Rovers pegged back a 34 point deficit at half time to hit the lead 10 minutes into the last quarter. North Albury then slammed on eight unanswered goals.

Hoppers' midfielder Simon McCormick kicked five goals in a best-on-ground display, while forward Ben Neve and wingman Mark Bush both kicked four. Evergreen Rovers midfielder Robbie Walker was the best for the runners-up.

Pines' hopes of defying predictions in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean grand final at Frankston Park were dashed when Edithvale-Aspendale led by 60 points at half time. Pines fought back to reduce the margin to 32 points at the final siren.

Edithvale-Aspendale's Anthony Agius kicked three goals in a best-on-ground display while fellow key forward Damien Clarke kicked six. Pines coach and midfielder Brendon Moore was the best for the runners-up.

Lara proved too strong in the Geelong league grand final at Kardinia Park when it led all day to defeat St Joseph's by 24 points. Lara coach Paul Lynch, the former Geelong forward, kicked six goals and was named best on ground.

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