St Bedes / Mentone Tigers will play in the VAFA ‘A’ Grade Grand Final after defeating minor premiers and flag favourites Collegians by 17 points in the 2nd semi final at Elsternwick Park on Sunday
The Tigers ran Collegians ragged kicking into the breeze in the first quarter – Collegians didn’t actually score until the 22 minute mark but edged back with a long goal after the siren to finish a point in arrears at the first break.
The second quarter re-inforced the first as the Tigers attack on the ball and the ball carrier intensified – with Mick Hazell in everything and creating opportunities downfield, St Bedes extended their lead to 21 points only to see Collegians kick two late goals to leave the Wesley side well-placed and only 9 points behind at half time.
For nearly 10 minutes after the long break the two sides scrapped for ascendancy before Collegians got a run of goals and skipped out to a 7 point lead.
Not to be denied, this was the signal for the Tigers to re-energise and, with Sam Anstey and Ben Phibbs everywhere across half back and running through the wing, the Mentone team struck back with two hard-fought goals to take a 6 point lead into the final stanza.
In the last quarter the Tigers showed why they are in their third consecutive Grand Final, with a fierce determination to win they extended their lead to 20 points and, with James Tyquin finishing an outstanding four quarter effort with constant run and quality delivery, the Tiges consigned Collegians to a Preliminary Final with Old Xaverians – the VAFA ‘A’ Grade benchmark of the last decade.
St Bedes / Mentone Tigers will play the winner of that final at Elsternwick Park on Sunday 21st September as they attempt to claim their third consecutive premiership.