Old Xavs do it again

By PAUL DAFFEY

VICTORIAN Amateurs powerhouse Old Xaverians, the club which won six consecutive A-section premierships from 1995 to 2000, yesterday added another to the list when they completely outplayed reigning premier St Bernard's to win their grand final at Elsternwick Park by 63 points.

Xavs, defeated by St Bernard's by 11 points in the second semi final, were the more determined team from the outset yesterday, sweeping the ball from the centre and playing in front at both ends of the ground. By quarter time, they had kicked five unanswered goals.

St Bernard's, kicking with the wind in the second quarter, threatened to draw within striking distance before wasting opportunities to kick goals on the run. They also kicked to leads in the dead pocket too often.

Xavs' superior discpline and ball-handling served them well throughout the game, after which Tim Ockleshaw was named best on ground. Fellow midfielders Caydn Beetham and Adam Chatfield were also creative while James Scanlan dominated on his wing.

Burly forward James McDonnell kicked four goals while John Bowen, playing in the uncustomary position of centre half forward, kicked two. Bowen's main feat was becoming the first Xavs footballer to play in seven premierships; utility Dave Landrigan notched his sixth.

This article first appeared in The Age on 22 September 2003

australianrules.com.au

Disclaimer