It’s not often a match is won when the oppostion kick nine goals in one quarter, but such was the case when St Bedes/Mentone Tigers overcame University Blues at the Uni.
Kicking with the gentle breeze in the first quarter, the Tigers squandered early opportunities to find themselves only 5 behinds up at the first break. On the up side, Tim Doherty was controlling the half back line and Pat Tyquin was getting plenty of the footy.
The second quarter was a goal fest; 5 to the Tigers and 9 to home side. Tim Doherty snuck forward to drill the first goal of the quarter for the Tigers, but then the Uni lifted with Young and Summers outstanding for the students. Five unanswered goals and the home side had its tail up. To their credit, the Tigers dug deep and found their own avenue to goal with Michael Barnes, Steve Doherty and Simon Richards finishing well for the Tigers to leave the visitors with a 21 point deficit at the long break.
The roles reversed in the third quarter with the Tigers kicking five goals and the defence lead by Damian Waters holding the Blues to just two behinds. Luke Wintle, Chris Richards and Cameron Hansen were combining well out of the centre and Chris Mangoni was starting to get a fair share of the ball. Lewis Stutterd had stepped up from the reserves and his attack on the footy was rewarded with a crowd pleasing goal. The Tigers went to the final break with an 11 point lead and knowing there was still plenty to be done.
The final quarter opened with a quick goal to the Blues and again the gap narrowed. The Tigers then won the next 2 centre clearances with Alex Kane getting on the end of both and kicking truly to provide some breathing space. Peter McGettigan finished off another forward drive and the Tigers were probably home. To their credit, the Blues fought it out, kicking late goals to close the final margin to 7 points – a fair reflection of a hard fought contest. Wonderful to see Blues supporters cheers their players off the ground despite their now imminent relegation.
Next week St Bedes/Mentone Tigers take on local rival Beaumaris at Brindisi St with a huge crowd expected.
An undermanned St Bede/Mentone Tigers Reserves were no match for Uni Blues. The U19 Premier lads lowered their colours to Old Xaverians but retained 2nd spot and will face Old Xavs again in next week’s second semi final. The U19 South team lost to Beaumaris but also managed to retain 2nd spot and will take on Oakleigh in next week’s second semi final.