Uni Blues trounce reigning VAFA premier Uni Blacks in cross-campus derby

UNIVERSITY Blues claimed bragging rights over cross-campus rival University Blacks for the first time in two years with a convincing 62-point win on Saturday.

VAFA football: University Blacks V University Blues. No 16 Pappy Hayes for Blues. No 39 Adam Pitt for Blacks. Picture: David Smith

UNIVERSITY Blues claimed bragging rights over cross-campus rival University Blacks for the first time in two years with a convincing 62-point win on Saturday.

The Blues saluted over their fierce rival for the first time since Round 3, 2013, blowing the Victorian Amateur Football Association contest apart with a four-goal-to-one second quarter.

Xavier McMahon was the star for the Blues with three goals from half-forward in their 13.14 (92) to 3.12 (30) win, while Jeremy Mugavin gathered possessions at will.

Uni Blues coach Quinton Gleeson said he urged his players to embrace the build up to the first derby between the sides in more than 18 months.

“I’m not one to put a lid on it, these games are the most memorable you play in from a home-and-away perspective,” Gleeson said.

“I just encouraged our guys to really embrace it, because you don’t get an opportunity to play in big games three rounds in too often.

“You may as well treat it like an in-season final and enjoy it for what it is.”

The Blues turned a 10-point quarter-time lead into a 29-point buffer by the main break, their second-quarter blitz handing them the ascendancy in tough conditions at Melbourne University Oval.

Huw Lacey flies for a mark for University Blacks. Picture: David Smith

The match was effectively decided when Gleeson’s side managed the only two goals of the third term, establishing a 39-point lead with a quarter to play.

Not content to rest on a dominant three-quarter performance, the Blues kept Uni Blacks goal-less in the final quarter to ice an impressive defensive display.

“There was a couple of times during the game where we got a lucky break then all of a sudden Blacks’ doubts started to set in,” Gleeson said.

“(They were) sliding door moments. If it goes the other way and they kick a goal or two then they’ve got their tails up and we start to doubt ourselves.”

Gleeson said it was too early to be talking finals, despite his side sitting top of the table with a 3-0 record.

“We’ve got a few injuries which is a concern,” he said.

“And like your normal start to the VAFA season, they’re still working themselves out.

“Sides have been 0-6 and made finals and vice-versa.

“That’s VAFA footy I suppose ... we’ve just got to avoid relegation first and foremost.”

The defeat left Uni Blacks last on the Premier table, with fellow 2014 grand finalists Collegians also 0-3 after three rounds.