Villanova College hopes to continue its charge towards the top of AIC First V basketball when it travels to Padua College for Saturday’s second round.

Villanova was buoyed by a 56-48 win over the strong St Edmund’s College team last Saturday in one of many highlights of the first round.

Villanova and St Edmund’s were considered two of the strongest challengers to Marist College Ashgrove’s three-year premiership streak and both teams underlined their skill in an entertaining clash at Goold Hall.

The match was as tight as expected – the margin was always single figures – and it showcased the talents of students participating in many sports.

Peter Klaasen was one of Villanova’s best football players, scored 17 points last Saturday while Will Mahoney scored 14 points.

Villanova faces a tough match against Padua, which lost to Iona College 57-43 in their first-round match.

Villanova and Padua shared third place on the First V ladder last season with four wins each from their seven matches.

Marist Ashgrove made a strong start to its premiership defence with a 67-26 win over St Peter’s Lutheran College.

Marist Ashgrove basketball coordinator Michael Connolly has emphasised his school’s team approach as they attempt to win a fourth successive title.

“We have the same coaches returning and their ethos is it’s a whole team effort,” Mr Connolly said. “We don’t really have any superstars so we rely on all 12 players in the squad to get job done.

“The AIC competition is hard as you have to switch on every Saturday and be ready to play.”

On Saturday, Marist Ashgrove travels to St Patrick’s College, which fell 52-48 to St Laurence’s College in an excellent first-round match.

St Laurence’s will travel to St Edmund’s this weekend when the home team will attempt to continue the good form it showed in the clash with Villanova.

Iona College will aim for its second consecutive win when it travels to St Peters.