Tigers stave off Blacks in crucial clash, Xavs snap winless streak

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers took a huge step toward avoiding relegation as they defeated University Blacks by 23 points at Brindisi St Oval. Five Blacks goals in the opening term gave the away side a 17-point lead at the first break, before the Tigers improved and kicked nine goals to three for the remainder of the game; including, four unanswered in the final term. Josh Cowan starred for the Tigers with three goals in a best-on-ground performance, with two of his majors coming in the second term when the Tigers were clawing their way back into the match. Thomas Tyquin and Jaryd Robertson continued their strong form for the Tigers, while Joel Ernest was the best Blacker for the second consecutive match. Mitch Carney was their only multiple goal scorer while Bede Mahon fought valiantly across the four quarters. The win gives the Tigers a one and a half game buffer between themselves in seventh and those on in eighth and ninth, Blacks and Trinity.

St Kevin’s proved too strong for De La Salle in their top four clash at TH King Oval, running out 67-point winners. SKOB piled on 28 scoring shots to 11 after they assumed control from the first quarter and increased their lead as the match progressed. Mitch Brown kicked three goals in a best-on-ground display for SKOB, making it two standout performances in a row after dislocating his finger in the Big V match against AFL Vic Country. Lachie Sullivan and Nick Wood continued their outstanding individual seasons for SKOB, while Sam Williams and Jacob Gotch were named best for De La. De La remain fourth and half a game ahead of Xavs in fifth.

Old Xaverians snapped a three-game losing streak and drew within two premiership points of De La Salle when they defeated Beaumaris by 20 points at Banksia Reserve. Sitting sixth on the William Buck Premier Men’s ladder leading into the match, it was a must-win for the Xavs as they reduced a 22-point three quarter time deficit with nine goals to two in a dominant final term. Xavs shared the spoils among 11 individual goal kickers, including one major to Sydney premiership star Ted Richards in his first game. Tom Anderson and Tom Williams starred for the winning side, while Nick Dickinson and Scott Braithwaite were named the best for the Sharks. Raph Clarke returned to the Sharks’ line-up for the first time since 2015 and booted three goals in an outstanding display. Xavs climb back into fifth spot following the win and just half a game behind De La in fourth.

Six goals to two in the final term gave University Blues a 22-point win over Old Trinity at Uni Oval. The Blues, who have now won seven of their past eight games, trailed at every break throughout the day but ran over the T’s with a dominant fourth-quarter display. Tim Gaeppen kicked four goals and made it 16 from his past four games, while Kieran Harper kicked another three. Jeremy Taylor was named best afield for the Blues and, if not for inaccuracy in front of goal, 26 scoring shots to 14, the margin could have been reduced far earlier. Luke Pacconi and Harry Thompson were standouts for the T’s, while Jack Osborn and Anthony Scott kicked two goals each. The Blues are now a game clear in third and the T’s are stuck in ninth with three wins.

Collegians overcame a scoreless first term to secure their 10^th win for the year, defeating Old Melburnians by 19 points at Sportscover Arena. With the wind a major influence, as per just about every game today, the Lions hit back with five unanswered goals in the second before again giving up the lead and trailing by 15 points at the last break. Seven goals to two in the final term helped the Lions over a valiant OMs outfit, with Kalem Post, Sam Hibbins and Viv Michie starring across the ground, while Billy riddle top-scored with three goals as he continued his breakout season up forward. Sam Peacock and George Hurley-Wellington impressed for the Redlegs who now fall back down to sixth, one game below Xavs.

Feature photo: Ari Hatzis