Tried hard: Karingal's Steve Charalambous was among the best in the loss to Seaford on Saturday. Picture: Lucy Di Paolo
SEAFORD has dealt Karingal a blow, condemning the Bulls to their second defeat for the season with Brendan Dunne's troops going down by 32 points in their Peninsula League clash at Seaford on Saturday.
The Tigers welcomed the return of former ace and VFL listed player Christopher Irving, who produced a typically dominant performance through the midfield.
The Tigers jumped out of the blocks to secure an early lead, their defensive pressure holding the Bulls out for most of the first half until Karingal rallied in the third term.
Justin Peckett and Stephen Charalambous were pivotal in the Bulls' resurgence, while Dunne played a vital role for Karingal, matching up on Seaford spearhead Michael Kraska, who was held to three majors for the day.
Tigers coach Craig McIndoe was pleased with his team's efforts and the return of Irving, who spent the past few seasons playing with Sandringham in the VFL.
"Irving was a real game breaker in the last," said McIndoe, who took over as coach midway through last season. "We played well for longer periods, which we haven't done the past few weeks."
Karingal took the lead at the start of the final term but it was all Seaford after that, the Tigers kicking six goals to one in the last to run out comfortable winners.
Karingal assistant coach Troy Callahan was disappointed with the loss, saying the midfields were the big difference between the sides. "We got murdered around the stoppages," he said. "We need some of the younger blokes to stand up a bit."
Seaford's Brayden Irving had a solid afternoon up forward kicking three majors and also had an impact when pushing further up the ground.
Luke Smith and Christopher Irving proved the difference in the final term, the duo breaking the game open and paving the way for a Seaford victory.
In other matches, Chelsea hammered Mornington to the tune of 93 points, Seagulls forward Luke Damon slotting 10 goals.
Frankston YCW made short work of the Pines, winning by 82 points at Jubilee Park. Bonbeach secured its first victory for the season, overcoming Langwarrin by 20 points.
Mt Eliza continued its solid start to the year crushing Edithvale-Aspendale by 95 points, Mt Eliza forwards Sam Lloyd and Scott Lockwood combining for an impressive 18 goals between them.