St Bedes/Mentone Tigers showed their class, their courage and their character when they outran Old Brighton Grammarians in the last quarter to win going away by 39 points at a windswept Brindisi Street on Saturday.
The Tigers, kicking with a blustery 5-6 goal wind, were unusually slow to start but once into their stride were able to break through Brighton’s loose men in defence and bang on 5 goals 5 to hold a handsome 29 point advantage at the first break.
Brighton through strength at the centre bounce threatened the Seniors early in the second but the Tigers with outstanding defence led by Brett Collins responded, as all good teams do, with 2 goals into the wind to hold sway at the long break.
After half time Mentone bombarded the goal from long range with minimal science and limited effect and were in real danger as the Beach Boys ran the ball in numbers into the strong wind to goal against the play.
Brighton continued to run hard in numbers for the remainder of the quarter and with the Tiges managing an uninspiring 1 goal 12 with the wind, only trailed by 24 points with the strong northerly at their backs coming into last critical quarter with their season on the line.
As you would expect of a quality side and as is their want, the Tigers threw down the gauntlet to the Grammarians challenge by quickly kicking two majors into the teeth of the gale and continued with hard running and precision kicking to position.
The Brighton response was quickly snuffed out by steadfast defence by the Tigers back six led by Dean Porter and Collins, having his best game for the season, while skipper Pat Tyquin, Sam Anstey and Ben Phibbs continued to lead the way around the stoppages to move the ball into their forward half for two more goals to finish off an outstanding win when appearing to be seriously challenged at the last break.
The Reserves hit a speed hump going down by 5 points to good opposition but remain well in contention for finals if they can recover their recent good form over the last month of the season.
The Tigers travel to Melbourne University to face the in-form and fourth placed University Blues next Saturday in a vital game for both teams’ finals prospects.