The race for the Summerland 2011 Flag is now wide open after some mixed results on the Weekend. Whilst the Tweed Coast Tigers easily accounted for an under strength and undermanned Byron side, Ballina Bombers have thrown their hat in the ring with a 10 goal stomping of Lismore Swans at Lismore.
The Tigers had only played 1 official game in 5 weeks and were keen to get back on the paddock and get their hands on the ball and run in the legs, and whilst they were expecting a tough challenge from Byron at home it wasn’t to be. Unfortunately Byron only had 14 players to start the match which included some enthusiastic Nimbin players and had been let down by a number of their senior players who failed to show up. The Tigers provided the Magpies with 2 players in Paul Petersen and Shane Petra and a 16 a side shortened match took place.
The Magpies tried hard all game and showed glimpses of their potential but couldn’t match the Tigers who are still rusty from lack of game time but had some key stars step up.
Ash Gemmill showed why he was so valuable to the Tigers booting 11 goals and taking some of the grabs of the year. Stay posted for some cracking photos of Ash’s aerial antics.
Young blood Jessie Wilmen kept his goal tally ticking over with 4, Anthony Mercurial 3, Jimmy Walle 3, Shane Peedie, Jai Purcel, John Bevan and Timmy wells 1 each. But the goal of the day had to go to Tigers Giant ruckman Brennan Strope Lye who received a handball on the fly at the 60m mark and proceeded to roost an ugly spiral punt straight through the big sticks. Brennan was once again close to best on ground for the Tigers and this was only the second goal in the big man’s short career and he celebrated appropriately.
Whilst the scoreboard showed the Tigers dominance it was far from a polished display by the Tigers who need to get back on the training track and prepare for some tough matches coming up.
In some bad news for the Tigers, star ruckman and forward Nathan Wilson went over on his troublesome ankle in the second quarter and was rushed to hospital where the news was inconclusive on a break. He is currently in a cast and will be lucky to get back on the park this season.
All the Tigers players from front to back contributed to the win, however Coach Shane Shallue wasn’t happy with the overall commitment and intensity from the Tigers and will be looking to get this back at training this week.
Final Score:
Tigers 27.10 - 192 d Byron 6.4 - 40
Tiger’s Goal Kickers:
Ash Gemmill – 11
Jessie Wilmen – 4
Anthony Mecuriai – 3
Jimmy Walle - 3
Nugget – 2
Timmy Wells - 1
Jai Purcell – 1
Brennan Lye – 1
John Bevan – 1
The Tigers travel to Ballina this Saturday to take on the Bombers at 2pm.
Go the Tigers!
Please Note: This is the opinion of the author and may not represent the opinion of the club or its committee.
Last Modified on 30/05/2011 12:59
