The Tweed Coast Tigers have proven themselves under pressure
with a lion hearted performance to beat Ballina by 4 goals in the Major Semi at
Oakes oval on Saturday and progress to their first Summerland League Grand
Final.
In what was always going to be a tough, bruising encounter
the Bombers came out firing to kick the first 2 goals of the match and stun the
Tigers with their intensity at the ball. However the Tigers have stood tall all
season and Saturday was no different, they responded with 3 quick goals to take
the lead back and from there were not headed for the rest of the game.
What made the win all the more impressive was the fact that
the Tigers played more than half the game with 17 players and without their
star onballer Arnie who was sent off for an indiscretion early in the 2nd
quarter. While most teams would buckle under the pressure Ballina applied with their
extra player, the send off seemed to spurn on the Tigers who lifted under the
quality leadership of skipper Jai and maintained a solid lead for the rest of
the game.
Outstanding performances from Jimmy, Boalie and Jai helped
drive the Tigers and with Bolty and Ash flying high and often to take
sensational marks time and again, the scoreboard continued to tick over. The
backmen did a great job to contain the bombers multiple raids into the forward
line with the extra man, with Arty and Timmy again producing excellent games.
The Bombers made a charge in the third quarter and came within
2 goals of the Tigers, but each time the Tigers managed to find another gear
and kick away from the their opposition. Quality performances from Roundy,
Wilson and Strope helped to dominate the ruck and allow the Tigers to control the
ball and play their own brand of football.
In a tough game of at times scrappy football all the Tigers
stood tall and produced the goods with a man down in a performance that would
off left Ballina wondering what they have to do to beat the Tigers.
The Tigers have now earned a week off and will host the
Preliminary Final between Lismore and Ballina this Saturday at Round Mountain,
the winner to take on the Tigers in the 2010 Grand Final at Fripp Oval Ballina on Saturday the 11th
September.
Thanks to all the Tigers supporters that made the journey
south to cheer home the team. We encourage everyone to get down to Round Mountain
this Saturday to watch the Preliminary Final.
Big thanks to the Tigers support staff. Especially Les,
strapper, masseuse, runner, public relations manager, rescuer of damsels in
distress, bus driver and all round good guy!
Final Score
Tigers 13.14 – 92 d Ballina 9.10 – 64
Tigers Goal Kickers
Roundy – 3
Ash – 3
Jimmy – 2
Arnold – 2
Jai – 1
Josh – 1
Nugget – 1
Note: This is the opinion of the
author and may not be the opinion of the club and its committee.
Last Modified on 29/08/2010 13:13
