The Mayne Tigers contested the QFA Division 1 Reserves Preliminary Final yesterday against the Caloundra Panthers in a desperate battle to make the biggest day on the footy calendar.
While the scoreboard wasn’t pretty and the Tigers took all game to put their opponents away, they did all that was required to secure their berth in the Grand Final, the seventh appearance in nine years in an amazing feat of consistency for five premierships so far.
After copping a significant loss last week against the Coorparoo Kings the Tigers needed to regroup to get back up for this game with the Panthers who have been the significant improvers in the 2022 season.
They had accounted for the Panthers in the Qualifying Final in wet conditions two weeks prior but they had to field another changed lineup as a result of more injuries incurred in that game and last week. It was never going to be easy.
The Panthers started very well launching into attack but the Tigers experienced backline held solid as they did all day. Tim Lyons was strong in the air while Andy Tydink’s spoiling and composure with the ball were a feature of the Tigers success.
The Tigers put together some impressive run and spread to get back into the game with Seb Shaw providing the link option on numerous occasions.
A peppering of the goals ensued before Kyle Henry took a strong overhead mark and went back to kick a great long range goal from the half forward to get the Tigers game properly underway. Jack Gartlan kicked another goal on the run to round out a solid start for the Tigers after weathering a concerted effort from the Panthers.
The Tigers inaccuracy with five points to the first break left the door well open for the Panthers to respond but the second term was all defence with neither side able to record a major. The Panthers were strong at the stoppages but the Tigers dominated the open play as the ball went from end to end and once again the Tigers held strong with Tim Webb and Jarod Scholl doing a mountain of work across half back.
There was a small breeze crossing the ground for most of the game which swirled around at times but it was no excuse for the inaccuracy of both teams. It was hoped that after the main break the Tigers would put the game out of reach of the determined Panthers but the fight continued with another dour but enthralling quarter with neither side giving way. Gus Shaw was strong for the Tigers shouldering the majority of the ruck and taking some impressive marks around the ground.
The last break saw the Tigers with a two goal advantage and a burning desire to come home strong. The Tigers got up and going quickly to dominate proceedings but once again inaccuracy kept the Tigers supporters on tenterhooks.
After several glaring misses by the Tigers, Xavier Craven kicked truly on the run to put the game seemingly on ice but the Panthers wouldn’t give in kicking a handy reply.
Jack Gartlan snapped a mercurial goal out of a stoppage in the goal square in red time to finally put the game beyond doubt and the Tigers into the 2022 Grand Final.
It will be a big week for the Reserves preparing for the Coorparoo Kings who have only sustained one loss for the season and that was against the Tigers in their first clash of the season.
The game will be played at Yeronga next Saturday commencing at 11.45am. The Tigers will want all the support they can muster to cheer them on so come on down to Yeronga with all your black and gold gear.
Scores: Mayne 5.12.42 d Caloundra 2.7.19 Goals: J Gartlan 2, X Craven, K Henry, R Leddy 1. Best: T Lyons, T Barr, J Scholl, K Henry, G Shaw, T Webb.
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