The Tigers leapt out of the blocks in fine style against Wynnum yesterday at Kianawah Road kicking five unanswered goals in the first term but couldn’t put the determined Vikings to the sword until the final minutes of the game.
The Tigers have never played at Kianawah Road so it was history in the making for both teams. It was also the fourth encounter for the two clubs this year including a practice match in March so the two teams have been able to have a very good look at each other. While the Tigers have been fighting off injuries and illness in recent weeks, the Vikings have been on the steady improve, knocking off the Moreton Bay Lions last week to come into yesterday’s game full of confidence.
It was a great start for the black and gold with Daniel Schmidt back in form after a skirmish with the Covid had him struggling for breath last week. Schmidt dominated the ruck all day as well as giving the Tigers some very handy support down back with countless intercept marks. He was well supported by Hayden Fry in this pursuit.
The Tigers midfield benefited from Schmidt’s work early with the usual hard workers Jack Collings and Zac McLean racking up possessions. McLean kicked three of the Tigers first five goals to stamp himself on the game.
The strong lead came with some assistance from a cold two to three goal south easter which the Tigers could feel pleased that they had taken full advantage. The locals were clearly undaunted by the deficit as they regrouped very well in the second term led by their Captain Brandon Stewart.
The Vikings responded with a very slick three goals before the Tigers steadied the game to also kick a corresponding response thanks to some clever work from Louis Quin who kicked two critical goals. Quin is really starting to emerge from his older brother’s shadow to be a critical player for the Tigers. The Vikings had peppered the goals somewhat missing an opportunity to get closer than they were at the main break.
The Tigers lost an important rotation with Tom Barr off to hospital before half time so there were changes needed to keep the momentum going however things went very awry in the third term.
The Tigers went right back into their shell to be second to the ball rattling off a string of penalties in uncustomary fashion. The Vikings took full advantage to narrow the margin down to two goals with the Tigers failing to trouble the scorer.
It was time for the Tigers to change their mindset and get back into gear but the Vikings were having none of that kicking two quick goals to bring the scores level and send a big scare through the Tiger supporters who were being drowned out by a very enthusiastic Vikings Reunion Day crowd.
The Tigers experience came to the fore when it was needed with Collings and McLean settling things down and Schmidt on the intercept. Henry Leong was composed while Zac Puncken added more grunt to the engine room. It was a shootout last quarter with both sides kicking four goals for the Tigers to maintain their three quarter time lead and secure the four points.
The Tigers play the Moreton Bay Lions this week for the first time this season in the last round for the year. The game will be at the Den so get along to see this precurser to the first round of the finals .
Scores: Mayne 12.9.81 d Wynnum 10.10.70 Goals: S Miletic, Z McLean 3, C Fletcher , L Quin 2, R Doolan, C Caught 1. Best: J Collings, D Schmidt, L Quin, Z McLean, Z Puncken, H Fry.
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