Tigers roar in William Buck Premier classic

Nick Armistead – @NickArmistead

St Bedes/Mentone Tigers kept their season alive and ended a nine-game losing streak with a thrilling one-point victory over Old Xaverians at Brindisi St Oval. Heading into the game, it was rather simple for the Tigers; either win or find yourself in a position where relegation is all but inevitable as you fall three games behind those above the relegation zone. After they gave up nine goals to five in the first half, one could have been forgiven for thinking the Tigers’ season was over. However, the home side galvanised and kicked nine goals to four in the second half with Nathan Smith leading the charge via his second bag of five for the year. It all came down to the last kick of the day when Louis Tiernan, who played an outstanding game for the Xavs, lined up after the siren but watched as his kick-for-goal hooked slightly right and through for a behind. In stark contrast to Tiernan’s obvious disappointment were the incredible scenes of the Tigers players and supporters, each realising there is still certainly something to play for this season. They are now one game behind Xavs (8^th) and De La (9^th) and two behind Scotch (7^th). Of the Xavs’ eight losses this season, six have been by 17 points or less, with their only two blowouts against St Kevin’s OB (37 & 61). Matt Handley top-scored for his side again with three goals, while Dan Noonan and Jason Holmes continued their excellent form. Jordan Kelly impressed in his first senior game for the year after playing the majority of 2017 with Collingwood’s VFL side.

The second must-win game for both sides this weekend was Uni Blues and De La Salle, and it was the Blues who ran out 23-point winners at home. It was a rather controlled win by the Blues after they kicked 3.5 to 1.3 in the first term and built upon their lead in the second and third quarters before De La hit back with 3.0 to 1.6 in the fourth. Ayce Cordy continued his dominant form in the ruck for the Blues while Tim Geappen kicked four goals for the first time this season. The Blues sit sixth and just one game behind Trinity in fourth. They average the third-highest number of points (83.5ppg) but have largely undelivered in 2018, so loom as a frightening prospect should they be able to hit their straps against the T’s on Saturday. De La have now lost four in a row since holding onto a two-point victory against Scotch in Round 7, and they sit in ninth spot with a percentage of just 77.97%. Given Xavs (8^th) have almost 15% more, De La’s run home will need to encompass an extra win to make up for lack of percentage. This weekend’s match against OM’s should not be considered a last hurrah for De La but one they will certainly want to bank as grounds start to get heavier, injuries take their toll and travel plans kick in.

Since falling short after that incredible comeback in the fourth term of their Round 7 clash with De La, Old Scotch has been a different beast and delivered their most dominant performance of the season when they defeated Old Brighton by 107 points at Scotch College. The Cardinals were simply irresistible with Nick Jamieson and Jack Bull feeding Harry Larwill (7) and Matt Seed (4) all day. The incredible statistic of Scotch’s sudden improved performance is their percentage of 110.27% is the third-highest in the competition. Now, they are still just one game ahead of Xavs and De La in eighth and ninth but, on the flip, only a game and a half outside the four. And with that percentage…..Old Brighton on the other hand suffered their worst loss of the season. Prior to the match, the Tonners made up to 10 changes; including, the loss of Harry Hill (injury), Tom Fisher, Jordan Matera, Fraser Gregson and Quintin Montanaro. Four players made their senior debut, but of those who are away travelling Europe and soaking up the sun in Bali over the coming weeks, Fisher is the only player not returning this season. Finals are still well and truly on the cards, but depth will be tested.

Old Trinity strengthened their potential finals credentials, albeit in name only, with a three-point loss to St Kevin’s OB at Daley Oval. The T’s led by one point at three quarter time, but Jack Holden, Shaun Kennedy and Billy Kanakis each registered crucial goals for SKOB in the fourth as they fought out their 10^th win of the season. Nick Wood and Mitch Brown were phenomenal through the SKOB midfield, while Kanakis finished with a game-high three goals. The T’s will rue missed opportunities given they had seven more scoring shots than SKOB but failed to capitalise in front of goal. They were led admirably by 150-gamer and club stalwart, Jack Hunt, and it was great to see him chaired off after the game. Anthony Scott missed due to playing with the GWS reserves in the NEAFL, but the opportunity is just reward for his outstanding season to date both at club and representative level. The T’s (4^th) are now just one game ahead of the Blues (6^th) as the two sides prepare to face off at the Daley this weekend.

Collegians made light work of Old Melburnians in their Round 11 clash at Elsternwick Park, running out 95-point winners and coming to within .4% of SKOB at the top of the ladder. Billy Riddle had a day out with five goals, while Nathan Boucher slotted four in a BOG performance and received the Grill’d Rising Star nomination accordingly. The Lions are the form side of the competition at present, with five straight wins and 42 goals over the past two weeks. The 95-point loss was OM’s biggest for the season and second in as many games. They’ve given up 100 points just twice this season and it has been in those last two weeks. They were missing key personnel, none bigger or more important than Tom Paule and Josh Freezer but both should return for their season-defining clash with De La this weekend.