St Bedes/Mentone Tigers defeated University Blacks by 27 points to progress to the VAFA Premier Grand Final. Kicking with the gentle breeze to the Glenhuntly Rd end, the Tigers were dominant everywhere in the first quarter and probably should have been further in front, if not for some inaccurate kicking. The quarter was played almost entirely in the Tigers forward half. The second quarter was a more even affair, but the Tigers still managed to outscore the Blacks 4 goals to 3 to take a 26 point lead to the half time break. VAFA Rising Star winner Chris Mangoni was providing plenty of drive and Pat Kean was finding the footy all over the ground. The Tigers again pressed their advantage in the third quarter. Dean Porter, Peter McGettigan and Tom Tyquin were providing an effective forward line, finishing off the good work by the Tigers backs and onballers. A 41 point lead at ¾ time and the Tigers were in good shape. To their credit, the Blacks were not done, peppering the Glenhuntly Rd goals during the final term for a 3 goals 4 return. But a steadying goal from the Tigers put down the resistance and the Tigers ran out victors by 27 points. The Tigers will play Old Xaverians in the Grand Final at Sportscover Arena (Elsternwick Park), Melways 67 D3, on Saturday 21st Sep, commencing at 2:10PM. Earlier in the day, the U19 South team played courageously in their Grand Final but couldn’t edge out Oakleigh who ran out 29 point winners. For the Tigers, best players included Jake Townley, Jack Vawdrey, Matt Powell, Jordan Pastura, Tom Pollard, Adam Heatley with Jack Vawdrey kicking 3 goals.