The Tweed Coast Tigers came back into contention for this year’s flag with a hard fought 26 point win over the Balllina Bombers in the mud at Ballina on Saturday.
The Ballina side announced their arrival last week with a big win over the Lismore Swans and were considered slight favorites for Saturday’s match but the Tigers refound the grit and determination that took them to the flag last season in the Summerland AFL League.
Tigers Captain Jai Purcel led from the front in a strong display and was happy with the tough win in very trying conditions “Fripp Oval was very wet and muddy and we knew it was going to be a battle of attrition. I’m happy with the team’s efforts and credit must go to the Ballina side who kept coming at us all day.”
In a low scoring game both teams were evenly match with scores level at half time. But once again it was the Tigers giant ruckman Brennan Lye who dominated the centre clearances and with solid performances from John Bevan, Jimmy Walle and Purcel the Tigers started to grind the Bombers down and lead by 3 goals at three quarter time.
Another polished display of strong overhead marking and goal kicking sore Tigers star forward Ash Gemmill kick 6 goals, an effort that earnt him the best on ground. Strong performances from small forwards Ben Kelly, Josh Bone and backmen John Weston and Josh & Sam Edwards also contributed to the Tigers win.
With no injuries from the game and a week off for the long weekend the Tigers are building momentum towards defending their 2010 Premiership Flag and now look forward to taking on arch rivals the Lismore Swans at Pottsville on Saturday 18th June.
Final Score:
Tigers 13.6 - 84 d Ballina 8.10 - 58
Tiger’s Goal Kickers:
Ash Gemmill – 6
Sam Edwards – 2
Jessie Wilmen – 1
Jimmy Walle - 1
Ben Kelly - 1
Jacob Eldridge – 1
Josh Bone - 1
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 06/06/2011 09:25
