On Sunday the Uni Blues Clubbies defeated the Old Xavs Crocs in an extra time thriller to lift the Norm Nugent Cup for the first time. The Blues entered a Club XVIII team for the first time in Section-3 in 2004. That year they were Premiers and Champions and were elevated immediately into Section-1 where they have remained ever since. After being competitve for a few years the 2008 Blues Club XVIII have reached the pinnacle of social football.

The Xavs kicked with the aid of a slight breeze in the 1st quarter with the Blues doing well in preventing their opponents from getting off to a flyer. The Xavs kicked 2 first quarter goals with 'Uncle' Tom Hutchins in his 200th Blues game kicking the Blues solitary major into the wind. In the second term the Blues turned their tackling up a notch and began winning midfield possession. Andrew Larkin dominated in the ruck while Dan Strack, Jesse Brooke and Joel Kiteley began orchestrating a marvellous 15 minutes of football. The Blues slammed through 4 majors in the second quarter as Liam Quin and Tom Hutchins marked everything and kicked truly. Hutchins went down with a knock to his knee and the Blues were not to kick another major until the second period of extra time!

The second half was a battle of attrition. The Blues defence was in a word heroic. Captain-Coach Tommy Granleese led by example. He wasn't alone though with Anthony Stewart, Innes Macphail and Richard Citroen playing mighty games. At 3/4 time the Blues had one hand on the cup, but with the Crocs playing in their 17th consecutive Grand Final, they knew the Xavs would come again. And they came kicking 2 goals 2 behinds for the quarter to tie the game at 36 points each. Both sides had their chances to win the cup in regulation time, none more than Chris Pike, who played with pain killing injections in both ankles, sunk his numb right foot into the Sherrin from the 45m arc only for a match saving Croc mark on the goal line. The Xavs kept pushing forward, however after leaking 2 goals early in the quarter, the Blues defence held firm. Ryan Key and Troy Auld took mark after mark and the experience of Steve Jarrott saved the Blues on numerous occasions. The siren sounded with the scoreboard reading Uni Blues 5.6-36, Old Xavs 5.6-36. The PA announced that the game would proceed immediately to extra time - 5 minutes each way. Although players from both teams were going down with cramp and injury, the Blues were confident that their younger legs would prove the difference.

The first half of extra time saw the Blues increase their lead by 1 point - a rushed behind.

After not kicking a goal for what seemed like an eternity, Chris 'numb foot' Pike soccered through a goal and the Blues faithful (who had outlasted their opposing supporters behind the goals) went ape droppings. Liam Quin marked strongly a minute later and goaled. Another minute passed before Will McLachlan found himself with pill in hand and running into an open goal - he kicked truely and ran up to the crowd with his hand to his ear as if to ask them for more support. It was an odd scene and one reminiscent of the early days of WWF when Macho Man Randy Savage jumped atop the turnbuckle before engaging the crowd. When asked late last night why he did what he did, McLachlan said he had no idea. It was the emotion of winning his first premiership.

Andrew 'Rowdy' Larkin was a worthy winner of the Best On Ground medal and as his name suggests, when invited to say a few words and with a grin from ear to ear, Larks shook his head as if to say 'thanks but no thanks'.

Captain-Coach Tommy Granleese and Blues President Bob Girdwood lifted the Premiership Cup to the delight of all Blues supporters and the celebrations began. This lot look like they might enjoy the next few days.

This was a great team effort. To win this flag the Blues needed every one fo the 26 players who lined up on the day. They also needed the guys who got them there but who unfortunately missed out on a game in the Grand Final. The Blues needed the best medical team in the VAFA to manage the huge number of injuries suffered on the day - Belle and Snowy played a major part in the victory (expecially seeing that our Doc spent the majority of the day treating a badly injured Xavs player). This left Belle with a lot of work to do. The Blues needed vocal supporters and almost every Senior & Reserves player was at the game behind the goals supporting the team. And with Captain-Coach Granleese battling his heart out in the Blues defence, Blues needed Tim Giles, John Kanis and Damien Guengerich to pull the string from up high. Their rotations and moves, especially in extra time might have been the difference too. When you think about it, everyone made the difference. This was a flag for the whole club.

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University Blues     1.2        5.3        5.6        5.6        8.8-56 (After extra time)

Old Xaverians        2.3        3.3        3.4        5.6        5.7-37

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University Blues Goal Kickers: Hutchins 4, Quin 2, Pyke, McLachlan Best Players: Larkin, Brooke, Kiteley, Hardie-Grant, Macphail, Powney

Old Xaverians Goal Kickers: Silk 2, Hardwick, Ward, Barrett Best Players: Silk, Silk, Tehan, Hulett, Nolan, Barrett

The Uni Blues are proudly sponsored by Batch Executive, Olympic Park Sports Medicine, Megabolt Australia, Muirfield Financial Services and the Leveson Hotel
 
The Uni Blues Brief is an email for supporters and friends of the Uni Blues. We'll send you a preview and review of each week's games, as well as keeping you up to date with the goings on at the club. If you want to subscribe/unsubscribe, email Peter Steele at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

ROUND 17

SENIORS - UNI BLUES vs OLD IVANHOE, Chelsworth Park, 2:00 PM

The Uni Blues Seniors bounced back last week with a resounding win over the Old Xavs.  The game was still delicately poised at half time with the Blues leading by only two goals.  Something snapped in the third quarter though as the Blues piled on 7 goals and 8 points to put the game firmly out of reach.  It was a crushing blow to Xavier’s finals chances with the claret and stout now out of the four.  Patty O’Connell had a terrific game off half forward, while Mark McLeod was a standout in defence.  George ‘Old Timer’ de Crespingy showed he has still got it, slotting a classy 7 goals.

This week the Blues head out to the ‘Pine Lodge’ to take on Ivanhoe.  The Ho’s have had the ‘moz’ on the Blues for three years down at Chelsworth Park, including some heartbreaking and costly losses.  So while both sides cannot make the finals, I get the feeling it will be a spirited and potentially spiteful game.  With the settling of old scores as motivation and the great form of last week, I reckon the Blues have a great chance of pulling off a muddy win.  Head down to the Ho this Saturday and make sure you pack the Binoculars for a spot of Bird watching before the game!

RESERVES - UNI BLUES vs OLD IVANHOE, Chelsworth Park, 11:40 AM

The Mighty Blues Twos were humbled last week by a rampaging Xavier.  The Blues looked off the boil all day while Xavier continued to press until the last.  In the end it was an ugly margin in favour of the Xaverians.  The Blues were undermanned but Coach Gunga was certainly making no excuses for Saturday’s poor performance. On a lighter note, Al Dillon made a very successful return after a long stretch on the sidelines, and was adjudged best a field.  Nick ‘The Sandman’ Burchell and Simon ‘I’m too sexy’ Gilbertson were also shining lights for the Blues.

This week the Twos take on Ivanhoe down at ‘The Swamp’  Last time it was the Blues by millions in a rout, however, it seems the Ho’s have dramatically improved their form since then.  Smarting from last week though and with finals around the corner, I am predicting the Twos will be fired up and desperate to redeem themselves.  Coach Gunga is certainly pushing for an emphatic finish to the year to set the foundations for the 2008 finals campaign.  With De La chasing the Ho’s for fourth spot it is shaping as a great game. Make sure you belt down to the Bayou for the Twos Clearwater Revival!

UNDER 19 - UNI BLUES vs DE LA SALLE, Waverly Park, 2:00PM

 The Young Guns comfortably accounted for St Kevins last week, running out 20 point winners.  The hapless Skevvies did take it up to the Blues Gen-Y troupe, but in the end were outdone and outclassed.  Tommy Pryde and Tom Fairbairn were the standouts for the victors.

This week the young guns face the challenge of De La out at Waverly Park.  The Blue and Yellow Bandits are flying this year with only two losses recorded.  For the Blue Unders it is a great opportunity to see how they have progressed in the last 6-8 weeks.  The Unders are a much improved side from earlier in the year, and though they are unlikely to make finals, this is the perfect time to prove a few people wrong and grab an upset.  The Blues Unders are certainly an exciting team to watch, so make sure you head down to Waverly to see the boys in action!

CLUB 18 - UNI BLUES vs OLD XAVIER CROCS, Elsternwick Park, Sunday at 2:30PM

This is it.  The Clubbies have arrived at the gates of Grand Final glory.  In this Sunday’s Grand Final the Clubbies take on the Xavs Crocs, who last week knocked off Collegians to put the Purple Plague out in straight sets. 

It is with great anticipation that the University Blues as a club look forward to this weeks huge match.  Often the Clubbies at any club miss out on the support and spotlight that the other teams receive, but this week it is all about them!  There is a terrific bunch of core players who have been the drivers of the Clubbies success this year, as well as several senior and reserve players who have chipped in along the way.  This week will be the ultimate test of just how well the Clubbies unit has gelled. Xavs Crocs have had a long history in Club 18 finals, and have in fact been present in the last 18 in a row.  While Blues will go in favourites, I think everyone is aware that it will be an extremely tight game that could go either way.

Every Blues Supporter is willing the Clubbies on this week and hoping for the fairytale ending that they deserve. It will be a great game, and I urge all friends and supporters of the Blues to get down for a look on Sunday.  Good luck boys, we know you can do it!

POST MATCH AT THE NORTH’S - SATURDAY 16^TH AUGUST

John and Sue North are kindly putting on drinks and nibbles at their home in Camberwell for all players, parents, supporters and friends after this Saturdays games.  Last year the same event was a tremendous success, bringing together players and supporters from all levels of the club for some great food and hospitality. 

The North’s home is at 4 Craig Avenue, Camberwell (off Prospect hill Rd near Burke Rd shops).

If lost call either 9882 0206 or John on 0408 306 832.

Start time is around 6.00pm, on your way home from the game.

See you all there!

MATCH DAY ASSISTANCE
If you are ever available to assist in the smooth running of any Uni Blues game, please contact Dave Phefley on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to nominate yourself. It does not have to be every weekend, but if you know you will be at 6 Blues games though the year, contact Dave and get yourself onto the Match Day Roster. 
 
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WWW.UNIBLUES.COM
Our website has been revamped and is the place to go for all news and information relating to the club and photos of recent games and events.
 
Go Blues!

The Uni Blues are proudly sponsored by Batch Executive, Olympic Park Sports Medicine, Megabolt Australia, Muirfield Financial Services and the Leveson Hotel
 
The Uni Blues Brief is an email for supporters and friends of the Uni Blues. We'll send you a preview and review of each week's games, as well as keeping you up to date with the goings on at the club. If you want to subscribe/unsubscribe, email Peter Steele at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
 

ROUND 16
SENIORS - UNI BLUES vs OLD XAVS, University Main Oval, 2:00 PM

Last week the Seniors posted three good quarters only to be overrun by a rampant Brighton in the final term.  The final score line suggested a thrashing; however the Blues were well in touch at three quarter time.  While overall all it was a very disappointing result, the Ones application through the most of the match was good.  John Wood had a terrific day on star full forward Adam Pirrie (who remained goalless), and was ably assisted in the back half by Tim McKinnon and Andrew Solly.

This week the Blues take on Xavs at home.  Last time round the Blues staged an exhilarating comeback to snatch a win south of the river.  Much water has been under the bridge since then though, with the Blues faltering and Xavier clinging to a spot in the four.  There is a strange energy that these two sides seem to gain when playing each other, and no matter the stakes it always seems to be a tight and fiery game.  This week should be no exception.  The Blues need to finish the season well while Xavier are trying to shake off a fast finishing Brighton for fourth spot.  It should be a cracker, so make sure you get down for a look!

RESERVES - UNI BLUES vs OLD XAVS, University Main Oval, 11:40 AM

Well blow me down and call me Suzie, the Mighty Uni Blues Twos were struggling along at three quarter time last Saturday.  Brighton had led all day and an undermanned and underperforming Blues were being asked questions, hard questions.  However, to their credit the Twos answered the challenge and played an inspired last quarter to snatch a memorable victory.  Simon ‘Nice Tan’ Gilbertson shook off his Thai Tummy to produce a great performance from half back, while Evan ‘Bay Ray’ Wilkinson and Matthew ‘Encino Man’ Torney also had great games.

It is a huge week for the Blues Twos, as they take on likely finals nemesis Old Xaverians.  Both Xavs and Blues are highly fancied for this years Twos premiership, and both realise this game will likely be replayed in the second semi-final in three weeks time.  This is the week to gain that all important mental advantage leading into September.  Last time it was a see-sawing and tense encounter with the Blues Twos running away the victor.  Coach Gunga will be keen to see a lift this week, and with the stakes so high I think the boys might just bring home the prosciutto!

UNDER 19 - UNI BLUES vs ST KEVINS, Crawford Oval, 2:00PM

Assistant Coach Mick Irving was as shocked as anyone last week when the umpires declared that the match against Rupertswood would have to be called off because of the state of the ground.  Luckily some lateral thinking locals turned a bit of chicken wire, some old tyres, rope and a ute into a makeshift ‘ground maintenance vehicle’.  As Mick recalled to this scribe, ‘it is not often you see blokes doing doughnuts on the ground before the game!’. The match finally proceeded and turned out to be a good one for the Blues.  It was a tight game all day, but eventually the Unders broke through to record a hard fought 9 point victory.  Tom Fairbairn was best for the Blues and Will Hartnell snagged a handy four goals up forward.

This week the boys take on the struggling St Kevins at the Crawford Oval.  Last time the Young Guns were able to easily account for the Skevvies who are looking down the barrel of playing in the grade below in 2009.  This week is their last gasp to avoid the downward spiral and I wouldn’t be surprised if St Kevins put in a spirited performance.  However, the Blues Gen-Y brigade will go in solid favourites and should grab the points.  Get down to the Crawf to see the boys in action!

CLUB 18 - UNI BLUES vs ????????????, Elsternwick Park, TBA

Straight through to the Granny!  On Sunday the Clubbies turned out a truly heroic performance to overcome a tough and talented Collegians outfit.  Losing both their previous encounters, and trailing by 5 points at three quarter time, many would have thought the Blues Clubbies were finished.  Not so! In a rampaging last quarter the Clubbies pegged back the margin, hit the lead and fended off all remaining attacks the Purple Plague served up.  Hayaf el Fahkri starred in the last quarter, jemmying the ball out from under packs and scything bullet passes to set up several goals.  Old stager ‘Uncle’ Tom Hutchins was able to snag five great goals (in between staving off lack-of-fitness-induced cardiac arrest) while Joel Kitely had a terrific all around game and was adjudged BOG.

The Clubbies now have a two week break to rest, recuperate and ready themselves for a likely rematch with the Purple Plague. 

MATCH DAY ASSISTANCE
If you are ever available to assist in the smooth running of any Uni Blues game, please contact Dave Phefley on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to nominate yourself. It does not have to be every weekend, but if you know you will be at 6 Blues games though the year, contact Dave and get yourself onto the Match Day Roster.
 

 
KEEP UP TO DATE WITH WWW.UNIBLUES.COM
Our website has been revamped and is the place to go for all news and information relating to the club and photos of recent games and events.
 
Go Blues!

The 2008 Uni Blues Ball was a huge success with record numbers in attendance and a record amount of money raised for the club.  A sensational night was had by all with many of the ‘oldies’ showing the kids a thing or two on the dance floor late into the evening.  The club would like to thank Karin Heinz, Jan Weston, Gabrielle Lade and Cathy Vickers-Willis for their contribution along with George de Crespigny, Tom Hutchins, Steve Jarrott, John Wood, Hugh Nailon & Tim McKinnon who all worked so hard to make the night a success. The club would also like to thank all who attended the night with a special thanks to those who donated auction items and raffle prizes. Finally a thanks to the two MC's for the evening - Dirk Heinz and Peter Steele provided their audience with some light hearted entertainment in their rookie year behind the dais. Although Dirk and Peter have staked a fair claim for the title of joint club MC's for all official club events, they should refer to the famous words of Benjamin Franklin: "In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes".

Photo's coming soon