The Tigers win enstablishes a chance at their first premiership in 22 years after their 28 point victory over the Cougars on Saturday. University started the game in strong fashion and remarkably held the lead at the end of every quarter except the one that counted.
Cougars veteran Paul Kupke clearly won his battle in the rucking duels and gave his on ballers first use for the majority of the game but the Cougars innacuracy in front of goal proved costsly as they kicked their way to a wasteful 9 goals 15 behinds for the match.
The Tigers were clearly the better conditioned team on the day which became more evident as the game wore on and their ability to get numbers to contests especially in defence was a major factor in their win.
U18 player of the year Nick Upton continued his great end of season form for the Tigers as he showed great creativity and poise with his rebounding across half back and through the midfield. Up forward small forwards McErvale and O'Donoghue Jrn were lively all day and booted 3 each for the Tigers.
The Cougars however gained some valuable game conditioning from this match after having a horror lead up to the finals with games against the bottom 2 sides and 2 byes over the last month. They will now face off against the Bombers in the Preliminary Final this Saturday once again at Rockville Park. The Bombers looked to be back to playing some of their best football against the Roos 2 weeks ago but the Cougras have been a thorn in their side all season and are the only team that the Bombers have not beaten this year.
A big blow for the Cougars is the departure of Ruckman and experienced campaigner Paul Kupke who played his last game for the season on Saturday and with the possible return of South Toowoomba ruckman Josh Bennet the edge in the battle of the midfield may have just swung in favour of the Bombers.
What ever the case this will be another great game in what has been a tremendous season of AFL Darling Downs football. This weekends senior game starts at 2:30pm with junior clashes before hand as follows.
Junior / Senior Premilinary Finals 4th September
9:25am - U12's Dalby Vs Highfields
10:55am - U14's Dalby Vs Warwick
12:25pm - U16's Souths Vs Coolaroo
2:30pm - Seniors Souths Vs University
Last Modified on 29/09/2010 12:10
