While it wasn’t the prettiest game of football yesterday at the Den when the Tigers took on the Moreton Bay Lions, the Mayne boys kicked into gear in the last term to record a very important win to end the home and away season.
The Tigers hadn’t played the Lions this season due to the weather issues earlier in the year so it was a new experience for both clubs. The two clubs had not met since the they were both in the QFA Division 1 North competition in 2015 and the Lions have been big improvers since then taking out the QFA Division 2 competition a couple of times to earn their promotion to the current QFA Division 1.
While it was perfect conditions for football, you could have been forgiven for thinking that there was a raging storm with both sides struggling to kick accurately despite plenty of opportunities.
Both sides battled through the first term to end with the Tigers two goals the better with both sides kicking five behinds. The battle through the middle of the ground was enthralling with both sides working hard in close and while the Lions were cleaner with their possessions and delivery the Tigers desperation was holding sway as they edged in front.
Zac Puncken was getting his hands on the footy for the Tigers in the middle to get some important clearances while as always Jack Collings was doing plenty of hard work in and under.
The arm wrestle continued into the second term with the Lions getting the better of the Tigers to camp in their back half but could not buy a goal for most of the term to end up with just one goal and an extraordinary thirteen points at the main break. The Tigers similarly had racked up eight behinds but no more majors for the term.
The major battle was in the defensive zones for both teams and with the Tigers James Stolz leading the way, they managed to keep themselves in the game. Hayden Fry worked hard as usual across the half back line while younger brother Tom was in everything as usual along the wing.
The third term was more of the same and while both sides were more accurate, neither could break away with just two goals apiece in another tense term.
Josh Westerberg was strong for the Tigers in the ruck and in the air all day as he did his best to gain some ascendency for the home team.
The Tigers forward line finally got some clearer air in the last term to kick away and win the game in a pleasing finish for the club. Cody Caught had been one of the most dangerous forwards all day working hard to crumb opportunities but once again Ryan Doolan led strongly and was rewarded with three goals for his efforts.
The Tigers ran out to an almost four goal win in a gripping contest which will have to be repeated again this coming Saturday at the Den in the elimination final. It will be interesting to see which side makes the most of their last chances now that they have finally had an opportunity to see each others’ wares.
In the other final next weekend Caloundra will host a fast finishing Beenleigh while Coorparoo will wait to see who will challenge them the following week.
Scores: Mayne 8.14.62 d Moreton Bay 4.16.40 Goals: R Doolan 3, Z McLean 2, J Westerberg, C Caught, R Fletcher 1. Best: Z Puncken, J Collings, J Stolz, T Fry, C Caught, J Westerberg.
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