The Tigers committee decided that their historic toweling at the hands of the Serpents was actually just a practice match and with their big guns available the Fenix Cup would now begin. This new competition will run throughout the season alongside the usual domestic competition between the Golden Jackals and the Black Panthers and it started with the Tigers putting in a dominant performance.

The Tigers showed no mercy in avenging their historic defeat from the week prior. Hasto’s lawyers had negotiated his three-week ban down to two and he made his presence felt  immediately by blooding Mani’s nose with a stray elbow. The Tigers kicked an early goal with the Serpents star off the field and had territorial dominance. After some running repairs Mani came back on and straight away scored a cracking goal. He chased a stray kick down the left flank, beat Hooey to the contest, somehow outran Skinny and swerved past the last defender to slam it into goal. That moment was the high point for the Serpents, nothing else in the footage was worthy of the highlight reel. They battled hard all game but only managed one more goal and a handful of points. 

Hooey had a day out, kicking four, and new rugby lad Adrian “Tinker” had a day to remember by kicking his first ever domestic goal. Coyote did a great job of shutting down Mani and Warwick  “Mad Dog” Baglin had a strong game. The Serpent’s welcomed back Life Member Rutty, it was great to see him back at domestic footy, but even his experience and skills were no match for the rampaging Tigers. They also welcomed Gun who played his first game for the Serpents. The Serpents will learn from this defeat. The footy gods are cruel sometimes. It was notable how many showed up to training on Wednesday. They are already hungry for revenge.