There was a big crowd at St Patrick’s College for a pre-game lunch and the first time old rivals Assumption and St Patrick’s have clashed in the VAFA. The weather was perfect – most un-Ballarat like. The Main Oval was a picture and the teams looked great in their old school jumpers. In fact it was the first time the St Patrick’s jumper had been worn by a team other than their First 18, which is remarkable really. Prahran Assumption kicked with the wind in the first quarter and dominated early, extending their lead in the second quarter and it was looking like a long drive home to Brunswick for the home team’s supporters.

Then as the half drew to a close NOBSPC began to capitalize on the dominance of Peter Shepherd in the ruck and kicked 4 late goals, leaving them 7 points down at the main break. Surprisingly the second half was one way traffic with NOBSPC piling on 11.12 to 2.3.

St Pat’s old boy Christian Ryan relished returning to his old stomping ground and finished with 5 goals. Shepherd was BOG, while another Ballarat boy Lachlan Ezard was great all day on the ball. The NOBSPC boys rounded out the day by staying overnight in the boarding house. It was a very successful day for the club and we hope to do it again next year.