St Bedes/Mentone Tigers returned to Brindisi St and the winners list with what, in the end, was a hard fought encounter with Caulfield Grammarians. The Tigers opened brilliantly and, with the aid of a slight breeze to the Venice St end, kicked six unanswered goals in the first quarter. Darcy Holden was elusive in the role of dangerous small forward, the Garside boys Tom and Dan combining well down back and Luke Terrell and George Rowlands got on the end of some good delivery to slot through majors.
The second quarter was a far more even affair. Blake McGrath was giving Pat Keane and Chris Richards first opportunity out of the centre, and down back Paul Wintle, Pat Tyquin and Jaryd Robertson stood firm. The Tigers went to the sheds with a 37 point lead while the many Coterie supporters enjoyed afternoon tea.
But it was the Grammarians who seemed more refreshed from the break as they set about the task of making inroads into the Tigers’ lead. The breezed was replaced with intermittent rain and the heavier going seemed to better suit the visitors who eventually outscored the Tigers for the quarter. Michael Curcio’s long set shot was a highlight and Michael Wintle was in everything in the tough going.
A 28 point lead seemed enough at 3/4 time but that didn’t stop the Caulfield boys from having a real crack. Up front the Tigers couldn’t buy a goal as multiple shots went either side of the big sticks. Down back Paul Wintle marshaled the troops and Jaryd Robertson continued to provide a path out of defense. To their credit, the Tigers battled their hearts out to fend off a fast finishing Caulfield and sing the song with a well deserved four points in the bag.
Despite their endeavour and contest at the footy, the Reserves were well and truly outclassed by Caulfield. The Under 19 Reds (Premier) outplayed Fitzroy all over the park to record an emphatic 118 point victory while the Under 19 Blues (South) went down to St Marys Salesian.
The Tigers next match is against Old Carey at Bulleen on Sat 30th June, commencing at 2:00pm. Can the Tigers maintain their unbeaten run against the Panthers?