Trent Slatter | The Chronicle
Photo by Kevin Farmer | The Chronicle
COOLAROO has survived a blockbuster clash with the Toowoomba Tigers to be just one game away from the AFL Darling Downs grand final.
Both sides traded shots throughout the gripping qualifying final before the Roos pulled away to win 13.9 (87) to 10.15 (75) at Gold Park.
Inaccuracy in front of goal proved the Tigers' downfall and they trailed at every break, despite having more scoring shots in the first half.
The Roos, on the other hand, made the most of their chances with Miels Grice booting another six goals to take his season tally to 97.
"There wasn't much in it. It was pretty tight. We were a bit inaccurate and wasted a few opportunities late in the game," Tigers coach John Wilson said.
Coolaroo now has a date with minor premiers University in this Saturday's preliminary final at USQ.
But the Tigers still have plenty of work ahead before they can think about a fourth-straight flag, starting with a semi-final clash against Warwick at Rockville Park.
Warwick disposed of Goondiwindi 15.7 (97) to 11.6 (72) in the elimination final at Roddies Oval on Saturday.
The Redbacks broke away to a big lead early, and while the Hawks kept fighting, they couldn't reel Warwick back in.
Warwick coach Jason Wright led by example with five goals while David O'Toole booted six for Goondiwindi to finish with 89 for the season.
The Redbacks should prove a tough challenge for the Tigers but Wilson was confident the three-time premiers were ready for another high stakes clash.
"We're pretty disappointed with the loss (against Coolaroo) but we were very competitive," he said.
"Knowing that it's all sudden-death now, there's a bit of extra pressure (but) we know we're up to the level required for finals football.
"We'll go hard on the training track this week and sort a few things out."
Meanwhile, the Coolaroo club has already claimed its first trophy for 2013 after its reserve grade side defeated University 7.9 (51) to 6.8 (44) in Saturday's grand final.
The Roos raced out to a 31-point lead at halftime before holding out the fast-finishing Cougars.
Last Modified on 11/09/2013 20:24
