St Bedes/ Mentone Tigers returned to the winning list when it downed Marcellin by 65 points at Brindisi Street on Saturday in a tough and dour affair
The first quarter was a test of strength as Marcellin challenged the Tigers physically to see if their was a chink in their armour after successive defeats but as expected the home side replied in kind with a brand of hard, contested footy they’ve been renowned for.
The second quarter was a replica of the first as the Tigers fought feverishly, led by Jack Hellier and Anthony Scafidi in defence and Brett Collins and Michael Wintle in attack, but inaccurate goalkicking largely brought on by the pressure around the football from both sides denied them a greater half time lead.
The score line at the half was instructive as the Mentone team led by 2 goals 8.
As has been their habit, the Tigers continued to pour on the pressure, and with skipper James Tyquin outstanding around the packs all day, broke the back of the Marcellin uprising and powered away with 5 goals 9.
The signs at the beginning of the last quarter were ominous for the boys from Bulleen as the Tigers continued to crash the packs and work the ball forward and a blowout looked on the cards but as was the case in the previous quarter the Tiges were wasteful in front goal and finished with 5 goals 9 again.
In the end a 65 point result with 30 more scoring shots was a probably a less than ideal outcome for the Tigers while it in fact actually flattered the Bullen outfit despite their early intensity.
Next Saturday at Brindisi Street the Tigers take on the surprise-packet of the year in old rival De La Salle, who have only lost one game to date, with the prize being second place on the ‘A’ Section ladder at the half way mark of the season.
The Reserves again had a resounding 96 point win and are now starting to get their season back on track while the U19s got over the line with a tight 8 point win against Rupertswood.