ST FRANCIS XAVIER
SENIORS
BACK at home after two away games and a week off, the Xmen were keen to continue their good form against an inconsistent North Brunswick. In heavy conditions, they started well with Simon van Dam and D. Dimakopoulas getting their hands dirty in the stoppages, setting up many forward attacks. Burns was again having a major impact on the wing and Mathers was trying hard in the ruck. A persistent Brunswick kept in reach throughout the first half with some accurate goal kicking.
The second half continued to be a slog with SFX keeping its nose in front with Spencer and Scott again proving dangerous up forward. The sides grew tired and a couple of late goals to coach van Dam ensured the undermanned Xmen held on for a good win.
SFXOC 19.16 (130) d North Brunswick 17.10 (112)
GOALS – B. Spencer 6, T. Pearson, D. Dimakopoulos, C. Van Dam, D. Scott 2, J. Mathers, J. Day, M. Hamill, R. Jardim, L. Andrews.
BEST – S. Burns, D. Dimakopoulos, J. Leworthy, S. Van Dam, D. Scott, B. Spencer.
RESERVES
Taking on the third-placed North Brunswick, the reserves were looking for a good start. In the first term the Xmen were dominating but wasteful and kicked only one goal from 11 scoring shots.
In the second term the Xmen played their worst quarter for the year: they were second to the ball and not playing the wet conditions well at all. As a result they went in at half-time 10 points down and in a lot of trouble.
At half-time they were told a few home truths and asked to respond to the challenge. They lifted in the third but to North Brunswick’s credit it kept at it. As a result the Xmen were six points down going into the last. The last quarter was a slog but the Xmen could not make any in roads and suffered their second loss for the year.
North Brunswick 6.9 (45) d SFX 3.17 (35)
GOALS – S. Dullard , P. Scanlon , D. Dapiran.
BEST – S. Dullard, L. Hall, H. Devanny, G. Bramich, A. Klaric, T. Finck.
