Be wary of the Tigers awakening from their slumber

Josh Heriot

The Premier B Men’s ladder is a fascinating watch with seven rounds to go. 

The weekend itself was a fascinating watch, just in isolation. St Bernard’s nearly pipped at the post by Williamstown CYMS, Old Trinity stay in touch with the four Old Geelong take the spoils at Brunswick St Oval, St Bede’s Mentone/Tigers in the battle of bayside reigned supreme whilst De Le Salle pushed into third on the table. 

In one of the games of the year, St Bede’s Mentone/Tigers prevailed against Beaumaris at Brindisi St Oval. 

With the Tigers getting the jump on the Sharks, it was Beauy that clawed their way to a nine point lead at half-time. A tight third term had them in front by seven points at the final change, before St Bede’s Mentone/Tigers were able to wrestle back momentum and the lead, pulling away to win by 12 points.

Caleb Lewis was instrumental for the home side with four goals in a best on ground performance. Along with Braydon O’Toole (3 goals) and Zac Calvez. 

Two wins in a row against top four contenders holds the Tigers in good stead. This weekend they face Ajax. Beaumaris have lost their last three matches and need to arrest the slide. The toughest task in Premier B footy awaits them this weekend, St Bernard’s. 

In a battle of the top four, Old Geelong trekked to Brunswick St Oval to face Fitzroy. 

The game began with a heavy heart for all Fitzroy supporters after the tragic passing of Fitzroy legend Matt Rendell last week. All players standing to remember Rendell, and paying tribute to his life before the bounce. 

Earlier this year, these sides played in a 1-point thriller. At three quarter time, the OG’s held a 23 point lead and looked set for victory.

Fitzroy managed to kick two goals in the final term as the OG’s were held scoreless. The lead in the end was enough, but far from comfortable for Nathan Brown. 

The four points keeps Old Geelong in fifth spot, equal with Beaumaris and SBMT. The percentage will play a factor in the run home. 

The Roys will be keen to turn the tables on that loss this weekend facing off against Old Trinity this Friday night at the Daley Oval. Old Geelong head back to Como Park to face Williamstown. 

In another hard fought encounter St Bernard’s had to scrap, grind and push their way to win number 11 in 2023 against Williamstown.

The CY’s threw everything at the Snowdogs, it wasn’t until the final siren blew that Steve Alessio could rest easy. 

In captain Mitch Hughes’ 150th club game, it was Mark “G-Train” Gregory who booted five goals in the win. He switched between time in the midfield and forward line, awarded best on ground honours. Stepping up in the absence of players overseas and through injury.

The turnaround in Williamstown is to be commended, a three game winning streak and serving it up to the benchmark of the competition. Nine changes to the line up, including five debutants. This club has plenty to smile about and be proud of the way they’ve developed as this year has unfolded. 

Round 12 sees both sides on the road, St Bernard’s can just about lock in top spot if they’re to beat Beaumaris. Williamstown can avoid relegation all together and potentially move four games clear of Ajax if they beat Old Geelong.

After a strong first half from Ajax against De La Salle, it was the boys of the Dairybell who pulled away after halftime to record their fourth win from their last five matches. 

Coming off a close loss to the Snowdogs, the blue and gold are in strong form and a side to be reckoned with in 2023. They’ve been somewhat of a sleeping giant over the last couple of years, and now those young troops Brian Waldron tells everyone about is at an age ready to compete with the best. 

Adrian Indovino is having a stellar individual season with 23 goals to his name, another three on the weekend. The Jackers are finding the going tough in 2023, a third close loss in a row. They’re thereabouts, competitive and pushing teams, they just haven’t been able to get it to click.

Maybe it will this weekend against St Bede’s Mentone/Tigers? 

De La will be looking to boost the percentage against Monash, and close to within a game of Fitzroy in second spot. 

Old Trinity have kept themselves in touch with the top four after a 46 point win over Monash to close out the round.

Jack Jenkins (4 goals) led the charge. Along with midfielder Alex Emery, and the most famous face at the T’s, Harry Thompson. 

Had it not been for inaccuracy in front of goal, the margin could have been significantly greater for the T’s as percentage becomes so much more important in the run to the finals. 

James Flett, and Daniel Easson again stood up for the two-blues. They’ve been shining lights all year for them, and will continue to put themselves in that spot, leading the way for the younger brigade of troops coming through.

Friday night footy returns to Premier B this week, Old Trinity playing host to Fitzroy under the lights of the Daley Oval. Monash travel out to Waverley Oval to face De La Salle.