St Bedes/Mentone Tigers outran University Blues underneath the spires, at Melbourne University, to win by 31 points on Saturday and keep intact their outstanding record against the University sides at this venue
Blues were very good early, after the Tigers had scored the first goal of the game, running hard and kicking to position and deserved their 5 point lead at the first break.
The second quarter started like the first had ended with the University team running hard and gaining in confidence as they kicked 4 unanswered goals and increased their lead to 33 points but the Tigers responded with the last two goals of the term to go into half time 21 points in arrears and with plenty to think about.
After the long break, the Mentone team came out full of run and with Kristian Bliesner taking control of the centre and Sam Anstey and Jack Hellier racking up possessions all over the ground the Tiger machine resumed service to the tune of 8 unanswered goals and took a 24 point lead into the orange break after an amazing quarter of football that epitomised the mental strength and physical preparedness of the 2009 premiership team.
The Tiges put the game beyond doubt early in the last as they continued with ferocious tackling and precise ball movement and finished off with great work up forward from Michael Curcio and Brett Collins.
The win maintains pressure on the top two teams, Old Xaverians and De La Salle, as all three strive for ladder leadership over the remainding rounds of the home and away season.
The Reserves were well beaten by last year’s premiers and this year’s top team and will need to regain their winning ways quickly if they are to contend for a finals berth.
The Club XVIII finished their season with a good win but unfortunately remained outside the final four in fifth position
The Tigers take on Marcellin at Elsternwick Park next Saturday.