St. Kilda has won its first TIV Cup with a hard fought nine-point win over an error riddled Richmond in blustery conditions at the MCG.
In a game that never reached any great heights, St. Kilda controlled the game from the outset and never looked seriously threatened despite the final nine-point margin which definitely flattered the Tigers.
The energetic Saints jumped out of the blocks hard, and had it not been for inaccurate kicking in front of goal would have put the game beyond doubt by half-time.
Not to be outdone however, the Tigers fought back after the main break and never gave in despite making several uncharacteristic skill errors and with many of their key playmakers down on form.
Both sides had their chances to exert their authority on the contest, but neither could break free of the pressure and intensity we have come to expect in such a big game.
The inability to kick clutch goals and the low final score line is indicative of the defensive mindset we have become accustomed to in previous TIV Cups.
The atrocious weather conditions prevented the presentation ceremony from taking place immediately after the match, and has been rescheduled for Wednesday morning at TIV Headquarters.
Nick Vlastuin and Sam Gilbert are also the clear front runners for the Bill Spencer medal, both playing brilliant defensive games for their respective clubs.
If Vlastuin gets the nod over Gilbert, it will be the first time since the Cup’s inception that the medal has been awarded to a player from the losing side.
RICHMOND 2.1 2.5 3.9 6.10 (46)
ST KILDA 3.5 5.8 5.10 7.13 (55)
GOALS
Richmond: Rioli 2, Elton, Riewoldt, Moore, Lambert
St Kilda: McCartin 2, Membrey 2, Gresham, Riewoldt, Billings
BEST
Richmond: Vlastuin, Elton, Hunt
St Kilda: Gilbert, Weller, Bruce
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Matt Stevic, Curtis Deboy, Shaun Ryan
Official Crowd: 99,255 at the MCG 😉
TIV Cup is played between St Kilda and Richmond Football Clubs as both teams have players currently enrolled in Building Courses at TIV.
