SAAS First XVIII college football round five: St Peter’s defeats Scotch by 12 points

A college football power achieved its second win under its new coach despite an underdog challenge in round five. Read SAAS First XVIII match reports here.

Round five of the SAAS First XVIII college season was played out over the weekend, with Adelaide’s best footy schools going head-to-head in an entertaining fixture.

St Peter’s College showed resilience to fight off an inspired Scotch College in a two-goal win, while Sacred Heart continued its undefeated streak and Rostrevor outplayed Westminster at home.

Here are The Messenger’s reports from Saturday’s division one games:

ST PETER’S 6.13 (49) d

SCOTCH 5.7 (37)

New St Peter’s coach Josh Francou was pleased with how his team stepped up to the challenge against a fired up Scotch side in a hard-fought 12-point win.

An inaccurate Saints side only kicked one goal in the second half after a positive second term and was in danger of losing the affair with just minutes left.

The team managed to stay strong defensively to see out the visitors however.

“We were inconsistent in the contest but the boys were definitely resilient and, while Scotch brought the Heat and didn’t let us play our brand, it was a good win,” Francou said.

New St Peter's College coach Josh Francou was satisfied with his side's performance in a tough win against Scotch. Picture: St Peter's College

“It was a frustrating affair – I think we probably played one quarter to the best of our ability because we were able to get good field position and use the ball well.

“For the remainder though it was a real tussle and we continued to make skill errors.”

St Peter’s was without multiple players due to South Australia U16 and U18 commitments over the weekend including star captain Billy Dowling, but Francou said a number of others stepped up when needed.

Among them were improved midfielder Henry Wicks, Luke Harvey in defence, and First XVIII debutant Seb McMahon.

“It’s such a positive that we have guys who can come through and perform when we’re a bit down on numbers,” Francou said.

“From a list perspective for the school as well, it shows there’s a lot of depth there and that the team is going to be quite competitive into the future.”

ROSTREVOR 18.12 (120) d

WESTMINSTER 7.9 (51)

Rostrevor coach James Allan said his team had plenty to learn despite a convincing 69-point win over Westminster.

Utility Finn Wakelin was again dominant in the ruck and up front for the college as it used a high-scoring second half to run over the top of its opponent.

This made up for a sloppy first two terms however, with coach Allan disappointed in his side’s opening half.

“I didn’t think we played the way we wanted to play at all,” Allan said.

“We didn’t work hard enough defensively at first and our execution and ball use, especially early, was a bit of a concern.”

Rostrevor utility Finn Wakelin has been a star for the college's First XVIII side. Picture: Claude Beltrame

It was the defence which lifted in the third and fourth terms for Rostrevor, absorbing an extended period of Westminster pressure and allowing forwards to capitalise on the rebound.

“Our defenders definitely stood up in that second half under a fair bit of pressure,” Allan said.

“It was pleasing to ultimately come away with a win but I think we need to work on staying consistent within a game.”

Rostrevor will face Scotch next week, a matchup Allan is not taking lightly.

“We’ve got a big emphasis on respecting our opponents wherever they are on the ladder and we’re really going to challenge our guys to improve on the display against Westminster,” he said.

SACRED HEART 14.15 (99) d

IMMANUEL 4.7 (31)

Despite a slow start, Sacred Heart achieved a six-goal opening term to set up a strong 68-point win against a tough Immanuel side at Glenelg Oval.

Ash Moir (three goals) and Patrick Toole (four goals) dominated up front for Hearts, while captain Tyson Coe accumulated countless contested possessions through the middle.

Coach Jon Symonds said the performance was a good sign with the side missing seven players to state team duties.

Sacred Heart forward Ash Moir was in f. Picture: Tom Huntley

“Immanuel had the better of us early but we managed to settle into the game and play strongly around the ground for the win, which was positive,” Symonds said.

“We’re really happy with how we went considering we were missing a lot of guys and it was really good to see Patty (Toole) step up in the forwardline as well.”

Hearts remain the top side in division one, but will face fellow undefeated school Prince Alfred College away from home this weekend.

Symonds said the team was looking forward to the test.

“It’d be great if we were both full strength, so it’s going to be a real test of depth but I’m sure both colleges are looking forward to it,” he said.

“We’re super excited to see what we’ve got, it’ll be a good game to gauge where we’re at.”

DIVISION TWO RESULTS:

• St Michael’s 9.15 (69) d Pembroke 10.5 (65)
• Sacred Heart Two 13.11 (89) d Mercedes 11.10 (76)
• Trinity 10.3 (63) d Prince Alfred Two 7.5 (47)