Saints come from clouds to snatch Division One premiership

By Josh Ward.

A final quarter blitz from North Ringwood has seen them mark a return to Premier Division after they defeated Mitcham by 21 points at Pinks Reserve.

Trailing by 20 points at three quarter time, the Saints kicked seven goals to nil in the last as they marched to a first senior premiership since 2014 with a 12.6 (78) to 7.15 (57) victory over the Tigers.

The Saints sixth senior flag marks a return to the Premier Division, which they last competed in 2022, as well as a second flag on the day after their 19s completed an undefeated season earlier on.

Kieran Rice starred in the win, collecting a spectacular 49 disposals to secure the Gordon Parker Medal for the best player on the ground.

Aaron Fenton and Ben Livingstone were also excellent in midfield and attack, particularly in the first half when the Saints were under the pump from the Tigers.

For Mitcham, yesterday’s results ended what was a fantastic return to Division 1 as well as their first Grand Final loss in 34 years.

Skipper Jesse Uren led from the front once again, providing plenty of drive from midfield alongside his teammates.

Nat Barnes also played an exceptional game, particularly in the third term, as well as Will Kellar who also impacted the scoreboard once again.

The Tigers got off to the better start as they kicked with a handy breeze towards the Canterbury Road end of the ground, kicking the first two goals inside the first eight minutes.

North Ringwood then started to settle into a rhythm and limit the damage heading into the breeze, even kicking a goal to make it one straight kick the difference at the first change.

They then hit the front early in the second before Mitcham hit right back, kicking two goals from four scoring shots to gain a handy 13-point buffer.

Matt Price’s men then made it a much tighter ball game entering the main break, kicking the final two goals to reduce their deficit to three points.

Mitcham then got off to the faster start in the third term, kicking the first two goals inside the first three minutes before a quick Saints reply saw the Tigers hold a 10-point lead.

They continued to pepper the goals towards the end of the term, however they failed to capitalise as they missed golden opportunities and kicked only one goal from five scoring shots to end the term.

Holding a 20-point lead at the final break, the Tigers had to weather an early storm from the Saints who came out of the blocks early.

They were initially able to hold sway before Matt Price’s men started to find their radar and pounce on Mitcham’s missed opportunities in front of the big sticks.

Kicking three goals between the six and 11 minute marks, the Saints then finished with four goals in the final 12 minutes to secure a famous come-from-behind premiership at Pinks.