APS footy Round 1 wrap: Brighton win epic, St Kevin’s triumph in nailbiter

It was the perfect start to the APS football season on the weekend with plenty of thrilling matches on show in front of some passionate crowds. See the Round 1 wrap here.

The opening round of the APS school football season produced a number of enthralling encounters.

Reigning joint premiers, Brighton Grammar and Caulfield Grammar, picked up wins to kick off their campaigns while St Kevin’s College recorded the closest win of the five matches.

Here’s the Round 1 APS football wrap.

Brighton took part in a roller coaster affair in their 11-point victory over Xavier College in front of a loud and captivated crowd at Wilson Reserve on Saturday.

After gaining a 41-5 lead at halftime and keeping Xavier goalless, Brighton were hit by an onslaught in the third term which saw their lead cut to nine points with a five goal to one pile on.

With the momentum going the way of Xavier, Brighton managed to get their composure back in the final quarter to win, 10.10 (70) to 8.11 (59), and withstand the impressive opponents.

Final score from the Crowther. Great game of @APS_Sport Footy pic.twitter.com/eWD2bP5qQt

— Xavier College Sport (@XC_Sport) April 29, 2023

The closest win of the round went to St Kevin’s who turned to defence in an exciting final quarter to hold on for an emphatic six-point win over Scotch College at St Kevin’s on Saturday.

St Kevin’s extended their lead by 26 points in the third quarter to gain a 32-point advantage at the break.

But Scotch stormed home in the final term, keeping the home side scoreless while booting four goals.

It wasn’t enough however, as St Kevin’s held on in the dying stages to win 9.9 (63) to 8.9 (57) in front of a passionate crowd.

In other results, all the home sides picked up wins.

Geelong College kicked off their season in style with a 15-point victory over Melbourne Grammar.

Reigning joint premier Caulfield Grammar picked up the biggest win of the round, thumping Geelong Grammar by 120 points.

And Haileybury College were too good for Carey Grammar, defeating them 12.20 (92) to 8.6 (54).

Wesley College had the bye.