ACC Sport at its Best!

The senior sport grand finals held yesterday afternoon were a showcase not only of the most talented football and soccer teams in our Association, but also an example of the wonderful sportsmanship and collegiality that exists amongst our member schools. The premiers were humble in victory, whilst their opponents held their heads high and congratulated the newly crowned premiers. Excellence, honour and fairness – the cornerstones of ACC Sport – were evident in droves yesterday at Elsternwick Park and The Veneto Club. It was truly ACC Sport at its best!

Senior Soccer – Division 2
Emmanuel College got off to a flyer, seizing control of the game early in the piece and taking a commanding 5-1 lead into the half time break against reigning premiers, St Bernard’s College. The second half proved to be a much more even affair, as St Bernard’s rallied with the support of their cheer squad and started to play a more free flowing style of play. Although they hit the back of the net twice, Emmanuel were never going to let their early lead slip and kicked a sealer to secure the premiership.
Final scores: Emmanuel 6 def St Bernard’s 3

Senior Soccer – Division 1
St Bernard’s and Mazenod have both been champing at the bit to have another crack at winning the elusive Division 1 title. St Bernard’s won back in 2008, whilst Mazenod has made it through to the final on two occasions but have never been able to take home the silverware. The grand final lived up to expectations – hard running, superb passing and great tactical nous from both sides helped to create a fantastic contest between two very talented teams. Mazenod took the early lead and were able to maintain that 1-0 scoreline into the half time break. In the second half, St Bernard’s pegged them back and scored the equaliser to put themselves firmly back in the contest. As time ticked by it looked certain that we were heading for extra time once again. With less than a minute left in regular time, a Mazenod attack proved successful and the winning goal was scored! An incredible finale and huge excitement for all of the players, coaches and spectators at the venue.
Final scores: Mazenod 2 def St Bernard’s 1

Senior Football – Division 2
The senior footy finals were held at the home of the VAFA – Elsternwick Park. The venue was bathed in magnificent sunshine all afternoon and the players, coaches and spectators lapped it up. The Division 2 match saw the premiers from 2014 /2015, CBC St Kilda, off to a flying start, banging through 4 goals in the first quarter before their opponents, De La Salle, managed to peg back the deficit with 2 late goals. That momentum late for De La continued into the second, as their midfielders started to work more effectively and provide their forwards with greater opportunity. A 5 point lead was a great turn around from 1/4 time. Although there was no wind at all, it appeared that the south end of the field was the scoring end, as CBC took all before them and kicked 5 unanswered goals in the third quarter. They were able to continue on with that good form into the last, kicking 3 goals to De La Salle’s 2 to seal victory and secure a third premiership from as many years. 
Final scores: CBC St Kilda 12.9.81 def De La Salle 7.7.49

Senior Football – Division 1
St Joseph’s went into this match as favourites ahead of Parade, but there was very little between the teams all day. Joey’s got off to a great start, kicking their first major within 30 seconds of the bounce. The first quarter saw fast flowing football from both teams, with high intensity and great attack on the ball. Parade was able to kick 2 goals, but it was St Joseph’s quarter as they led by 2 goals at the break. Both teams ramped up their defensive pressure as the second quarter unfolded, with St Joseph’s held to 3 points and Parade edging closer to be within 2 points of the lead at half time. The third quarter opened at frenetic pace as the players put their super skills to good use. With the match opening up the goals started to flow a bit quicker – rotations became all important. Three goals to Joey’s and four to the Raiders meant that a solitary point was the difference at the final change. Parade had their nose in front from the start of the fourth and it proved to be a see-saw throughout the final quarter. Early goals to Geelong swung the momentum their way, but Parade maintained their intensity and kept their scoreline ticking over also. With the large crowd getting right into the excitement, it was St Joseph’s that were able to push ahead in the final minutes, clinching a 9 point premiership win and taking home the coveted ACC premiership title. It was an amazing game and one of the most memorable finals of recent years.
Finals scores: St Joseph’s 10.13.73 def Parade 10.4.64