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That vital first victory of the season still eludes the Tigers, after Wednesday night's rescheduled match against Dulwich Hill at Lambert Park. Under 20s finished 2-1, while First Grade ended scoreless, at 0-0.

John Sowden's photos from the first grade match are here.

Under 20s were extremely competitive in the first hour of the match, despite two tactical reshuffles after losing Jun Arima and Daniel Pace to injury. Unfortunately, two quick second half goals to Dulwich Hill knocked the wind out of the Tigers' sails. The side battled on, and forced a grandstand finish by bundling a goal in the final moments. It was too little too late though, as Ivan's team still chases their first victory.

First Grade went into their battle with league-leading Dulwich Hill eager to cause an upset. For long stretches of the first half, the upset appeared inevitable. Dominant in defence, effective in midfield and dangerous going forward, the Tigers engineered two golden opportunities and several more half-chances. Sadly, none were converted, and the Tigers were fortunate not to concede themselves after a Dulwich counter-attack struck the crossbar.

The second half was a different scenario, as weary legs took the sting out of the Tigers' aggression. It was no surprise that chances were rare between the two sides who had conceded a combined total of three goals in the first three rounds. Yet as the match entered the closing stages, it was only Balmain's determination, along with some excellent goalkeeping from Hiro, that kept Dulwich Hill at bay.

For the Tigers, it doesn't get any easier. Saturday brings a visit to Mounties, another league heavyweight. See you there!