In a classic game-of-two-halves, St Pat's held on to win 8.6 (54) to 6.6 (42) at College yesterday

College had plenty of the footy in the opening exchanges but was unable to convert its possession into scoreboard pressure.

BCC captain Ricky Leyonhjelm kicked a long goal to put College six points up, but majors to Jordan Alexander, Matthew James and Jake Dunne saw St Pat's hold a 14-point advantage at the first change.

Ferocious tackling was a highlight for the big crowd, and was a major reason for the Saints extending their lead to 27 points at half-time.

St Pat's lost Tom Lamb during the second quarter with what looked like a broken arm.

College lifted in the second half with Ben Mabon and Lachlan Crameri getting on top in the ruck.

BCC forward Jonathan Hobbs marked on the lead and goaled, and then some poor discipline by St Pat's led to a reversed free kick, and a 50m penalty gifted Joshua Free a goal.

When Matthew Dea kicked truly from a tight angle it meant College were just seven points down at the final change.

College missed a couple of early opportunities before James made it hard for BCC with a goal from deep in the pocket.

But a quick reply by Brett Niewand, after another 50m penalty, gave College hope.

Free was looking dangerous up forward but Ben Peters was calm in defence, repelling many attacks for St Pat's.

When Shaun Lyle found James on the lead, who calmly slotted it, the day was with the Paddys.

Coach Howard Clark was happy with the first half but said some poor discipline in the third quarter changed the tempo of the game.

"These boys have a wonderful opportunity to create their own history within the college," he said.

BCC coach Shaune Moloney said the "fightback was fantastic".

"I couldn't fault (the spirit), I'm enormously proud of the boys, the effort was outstanding," Moloney said.

College now has the semi-final of the Herald Sun Country Cup against Emmanuel College at Derrinallum on Wednesday, while St Pat's faces Assumption College in the final of the Herald Sun Shield at the MCG on August 9.

DETAILS

ST PAT'S 4.2 6.5 6.5 8.6 (54)

BCC 2.0 2.2 5.4 6.6 (42)

GOALS _ St Pat's: Matthew James 3, Dunne, O'Brien, Alexander, Rippon, Dundon. BCC: Dea, Leyonhjelm, Niewand, Hobbs, Free, Lockyer.

BEST _ St Pat's: Marc James, Peters, O'Brien, Matthew James, Howard, Gordon. BCC: Free, Barry, Dea, Leyonhjelm, Mabon, Crameri.