The Tigers battled out a hard fought win against the UQ Red Lions at the Den yesterday in slippery conditions with intermittent showers sweeping through at regular intervals.
A feature of the game was the desperate defence of both teams which meant the result was still in the balance until the last few minutes when the Tigers finally kicked the sealer through a runaway goal from speedster Jack Coghlan.
Both teams went goal for goal all day with no more than a few points separating them until the last term.
The Tigers started in brilliant fashion with numerous raids but could not finish their work as the Red Lions spoiled and scragged to deny them an early lead. The skill level of both sides could have been better on the face of things but you can only play as well as the opposition lets you.
The Tigers defence in similar fashion repeatedly denied the Students any clear air with Dean Hartley leading his backline to perfection as usual. The return of Zac Puncken to the Den was greatly celebrated yesterday as he showed just what he is capable of across the half backline to give the Tigers plenty of rebound capability. Puncken will only get better as he settles into the Tigers lineup.
It was the young guns show as the raw talent of fifteen year old Tom Fry sparked the Tigers to lift as the game went on with a mature and composed display. The young man has settled into the big game as if he was made for it. His work late in the game was a particular feature when it needed to be won.
Casey Barber and Cody Caught continue to reward the faith shown in their young talent as well with another strong effort in the forward line to keep the footy in when required as they battled against some much bigger bodies.
The game was still well in the balance at the final break with the Tigers holding a two point lead in the low scoring affair.
It was time for some magic in the middle with the Tigers big man Daniel Schmidt getting first use and gaining some much needed clearances.
The forward line mounted an all out effort to keep the ball in the fifty for a solid ten minutes before the move of Seb Miletic from back to forward paid dividends. Miletic put on some special magic with a right to left dribble kick from the pocket which ignited the Tigers. He took a mark in the square shortly after and finished it off to give the Tigers in what was thought to be the margin needed in the context of the game but the Tigers capitalised to break out to a four goal lead before the Red Lions regrouped to kick two straight. Jack Coghlan finished it off running away to kick the goal that ensured the points for the home team.
The Tigers play Coorparoo at Coorparoo after the Easter break in the Annual Anzac Day Clash. The Wayne Stewart Medal will be awarded to the Best on Ground between the two teams.
Scores: Mayne 11.10.76 d UQ 8.8.56 Goals: S Miletic 3, Z Quin, C Barber 2, H Leong, J McVeigh, C Caught, J Coghlan 1 Best: Z Puncken, D Hartley, C Barber, C Caught, T Fry, D Schmidt.
Comments