Kildare went down to Albury’s Xavier High School in a thrilling state final, 8.3 (51) to 5.5 (35) at Lavington Sportsground.

Kildare led up until the final five minutes when Xavier banged home three late goals to capture the title.

It was a day of close calls for the Carroll Cup champions after they only just got past Canberra’s Erindale College to make the final.

Kildare produced a big second half to run over the top of Erindale, 8.5 (53) to 8.3 (51).

Kildare’s other win for the day came against Finley High School, 8.2 (50) to 2.3 (15).

Brad Ashcroft was Kildare’s best player throughout the day, closely followed by Ryan Allen. Josh Buchanan and Riley Corbett also featured prominently at different stages.

Leeton’s St Francis de Sales Regional College had a big win over Wollongong but lost to eventual champions, Xavier, by 30 points.

AFL Southern NSW game development manager Marc Geppert was pleased to see two Riverina schools fight out the final.

“It was fantastic to have an all Southern NSW state final with two local teams battling it out,” Geppert said.

Meantime, The Riverina Anglican College (TRAC) have qualified for the under 15 boys state finals after a dominant display in Albury.

TRAC proved way too good for Xavier High School and St Francis de Sales Regional College to win the Southern NSW title.

After beating Xavier by 50 points and St Francis by 112 points, TRAC progress through to the state final to be held in Albury on September 26.