VAFA Premier B is set to be a battle of Bayside in 2016 following Saturday’s results that saw St Bedes/Mentone Tigers remain and Old Haileybury gain promotion.
Six clubs are dotted along Bayside while the others aren’t too far away meaning the competition will be even more local than it was this year.
In Saturday’s Premier B Preliminary Final, Old Melburnians produced a stunning upset, coming from 43-points down to defeat St Bedes/Mentone Tigers and advance to the Grand Final against the seemingly-invincible St Kevin’s next Saturday. The Tigers go out in straight sets and after returning to the division this year, will line up again in 2016.
Down in Premier C, Marcellin continued their September misery and went down to Old Haileybury, who’ll take on Monash Blues in next week’s Grand Final also meaning both club’s make the jump up to Premier B in 2016.
Coming down from Premier Division is another local rival Beaumaris while Old Scotch were sensationally relegated after 35 years in the top-flight.
Mazenod and Caulfield depart Premier B following their relegation, while Old Brighton remain after being knocked out of the finals in week one and Parkdale Vultures survived after defeating the Rovers in the final round. The longest trip will again be Fitzroy at Brunswick Street Oval.
All that makes for a mouth-watering 2016 and the Hampton Rovers will be led by recently-appointed senior coach Owen Lalor in what’s a big boost for the club. It promises to be an exciting season and information on pre-season training will be announced on the website in the not too distant future.
PREMIER B 2016
Ajax
Beaumaris
Fitzroy
Hampton Rovers
Monash Blues
Old Brighton
Old Haileybury
Old Scotch
Parkdale Vultures
St Bedes/Mentone Tigers
