Tigers secure vital four points in red-hot Division One race

By Josh Ward.

Mitcham has reaffirmed its Division One premiership credentials after defeating top-of-the-table North Ringwood in a scrappy affair at Quambee Reserve.

After just seven goals were kicked up to three quarter time, both sides combined to kick seven in the last, with the two-time Division 1 premiers kicking five of those goals to secure a 9.4 (58) to 5.10 (40) victory over the Saints.

The result means Neil Winterton’s men remain in third despite Park Orchards and Wantirna South’s victories over Beaconsfield and Montrose respectively.

On the other hand, the Saints still sit atop the Division 1 table, but now only two points ahead of second-placed Wantirna South.

Tigers skipper Jesse Uren led the way in midfield, acquiring crucial centre clearances, particularly in the last quarter, to earn himself the Eastland Cryo Stay Young Best on Ground.

Mitcham’s younger players also stood tall, including Mason Porter, Rod Ali, Jai Townsend (who snagged five goals) as well as Jack Liddle who had the job of tagging North Ringwood star Kieran Rice.

The Saints still had its fair share of contributors, including defensive duo William Waller and Riley White who were near impenetrable for the first three quarters of the game.

Jackson Braunthal also continued his solid season in midfield, adding another two goals to his tally, while James Leach and Liam Walker were also serviceable in the loss.

North Ringwood had to do most of the defending early on, with Mitcham kicking with the aid of a handy breeze towards the hill end of Quambee Reserve.

Despite having all the territory though, the Tigers failed to capitalise, kicking just one goal and one behind in the first term. Despite this, they still held a four-point lead at the first break.

Mitcham still built on the momentum they gained in the first quarter with the opening goal of the second term through Townsend.

North Ringwood swiftly responded before the Tigers re-composed themselves and responded with a goal themselves as the rain started to pelt down across Quambee Reserve.

Matt Price’s men wouldn’t be held down for long though, gaining the ascendancy and capitalising with the last two goals of the half to take a two-point lead entering the main break.

As the second half started to begin the intensity started to lift as both sides looked to take control of the contest.

Mitcham started off the better though with the breeze behind their back, kicking the opening goal of the quarter to hit the front by three points.

From there the majority of the quarter was controlled by North Ringwood who started to move the ball better and create more opportunities.

But, much like Mitcham in the first term, they failed to capitalise, kicking five behinds whilst the Tigers kicked a further two behinds which saw them hold a one-point lead at the final break.

With some stirring words from Winterton at their three quarter time huddle, the Tigers started to up the tempo at the beginning of the last quarter.

Led by Uren and ruck Danny Baglava in the middle, Mitcham kicked three goals in the first five minutes of the last to increase their slender one-point advantage to a handy 19 points.

From there it was goal to goal, with North Ringwood unable to string together goals as the Tigers defence, led by Ali, stood strong to help secure an important victory for the Tigers.

They now meet an in-form Park Orchards at Walker Park this weekend while North Ringwood hosts Wantirna South in a top-of-the-table clash at Quambee Reserve this weekend.