Club XVIII

There was a sense of deja vu as the Uni Blues' Clubbies took to take on the Crocs at Elsternwick Park. The same stiff breeze greeted the players as when the two sides met in the Grand Final last year. At times, the game threatened to unfold in a similar manner. Fortunately, the heart-stopping finish of last year was avoided as the fitter and hungrier Blues overran the tiring Crocs in the final quarter. The Blues backline, led by Supercoach Tom Granleese, was stoic as it continually defied forward thrusts from the Crocs. Huw Spring provided run from defence, and Tom McCredie and Aaron Kelly enjoyed the large wings of Elsternwick Park. Evergreen Michael Thomas was inspirational up forward as he frightened his younger team-mates while asking for increased efforts at the breaks. He kicked 4, including 2 in the last, but was shaded by Tim McKinley who kicked 5. Ben Callery worked very hard and led by example as the Blues applied pressure all over the ground, and then ran hard to create and support when the Blues had the ball.

In the 2nd semi final, Old Xaverians (2) beat Collegians in extra time by one point. This means that the Uni Blues Club XVIII team take on Collegians next Sunday at 2pm as the Blues look to continue their run and defend their 2008 premiership.

University Blues:          14 - 5 - 89

Old Xaverians (Crocs):  7 - 9 - 51

Best: B.Callery, M.Thomas, T.McCredie, T.McKinley, H.Spring, A.Kelly, T.Granleese

Goals: T.McKinley 5, M.Thomas 4, Ni.Freeman 2, B.Callery 1, A.Kelly 1, N.Beks 1