In the VAFA Premier top of the table clash, St Bedes/Mentone Tigers lost by 17 points to ladder leaders, Old Xaverians.
The match opened with the Tigers having use of the stiff northerly breeze, but unable to fully capitalize on the many forward entries. Chris Mangoni, Pat Kean and Tim Doherty were scrapping hard for the Tigers but the inaccuracy in front of goal was hurting. Michael Wintle eventually roved a deft tap from brother Paul to get the Tigers first major. Paul Wintle featured again spotting up Alex Kane for the Tigers second late in the quarter.
In the second quarter it was Xavs turn to be inaccurate with the wind, scoring 4.8, while the Tigers ran hard and with purpose, scoring three goals of their own. Hiwad Shaikaib and Tom Garside were solid in the last line of defence and Hayden Jeans and Chris Richards were providing the link through the centre. Alex Kane took advantage of a leg break bowled by Hayden Jeans to pop through an easy goal. Old Xavs’ Handley had moved into the centre and was having an impact while Xavs’ leading forward Goss got his first goal to take his side to the long break with a 2 point advantage.
The tightness of the contest was reflected in the pressure and scrapping of the third quarter. While the Tigers managed 2.4 goals, so did Xavs in what should have been a quarter where the Tigers took advantage of the wind. Keep an eye out for the highlight reel featuring a couple of towering marks from Luke “Juice” Wintle.
With only 2 points separating the combatants at the final change, the two heavyweights of amateur footy initially exchanged goals. But with the aid of the breeze, Xavs were able to find the goals on 2 more occasions than the Tigers and were rewarded with a 17 point win.
In other matches, St Bernards has an upset win over Uni Blacks allowing the Tigers to retain second spot on the ladder. Next week St Bedes/Mentone Tigers take on University Blues who had a big loss at the hands of Beaumaris and are now in real danger of relegation.
Despite coming home strongly, St Bede/Mentone Tigers Reserves couldn’t get over the top of ladder leaders Old Xavs. Lewis Stutterd again best on ground; ably supported by Mark Geschke.
The U19 Premier lads had a comfortable win over Old Brighton to retain second spot. The U19 South team was too strong for De La Salle with Michael O’Connor and Tom Pollard leading the way to keep them also in second spot.