The Tweed Coast Tigers have cemented their place on top of the ladder with a solid win over Ballina at Tigerland on Saturday.
On a windy afternoon in Pottsville the Tigers who are still yet to play at full strength this season secured the points with 2 strong quarters into the wind against a well manned Ballina outfit.
The Bombers have been performing well this season and played some aggressive football to ensure it wasn’t all Tigers and with this game set to be replayed at Tigerland Pottsville in 4 weeks as the Major Semi, this was a good opportunity for both coaches to test their squads metal in the lead up.
The Tigers whilst missing an impressive list of players including Johnno, Ash, Bones, Jacob and Wilson still fielded 22 players on Saturday including tall forward Lachy who relished his return from injury to play full forward and bag 10 goals in a fantastic effort that earn’t him the coveted players player mug.
Lachy was supported up front with excellent games from Benny (2 goals) and Jimmy and Jessie (3 goals each) with one of the highlights being a goal from Jimmy that he kicked on the run from well beyond 50m, travelled over the leading forwards and rolled through the big sticks, though wind assisted it was a cracking kick.
The turning point for the match was the first bounce of the second quarter with the Tigers heading into a 6 goal wind, when young Sammy charged the pack from the bounce collected the ball handballed recollected and hit Lachy on the chest. This was just the start the Tigers needed and they continued to dominate the quarter against the wind and set up a good win.
Strong games from ruckamn Strope, Thor, Spence and Jai in the middle provided plenty of service to the forwards. Accuracy was again an issue for the Tigers other than Lachy who took his chances all day.
The Tigers backline was outstanding again with Josh, Sammy, Herc, Timmy, Popey, Arty, Scotty and Westy creating real problems for the Bombers forwards.
It was good last regular season home game result for the Tigers, plenty of areas to improve and credit must go to the Bombers who are coming into form at finals time.
Final Scores
Tigers 18.13 - 121 d Ballina 12.14 -86
Tigers Goal Kickers
Lachy – 10
Jimmy – 3
Jessie – 3
Benny 2
Players Awards
Players Player – Lachlan
Note: This is the opinion of the author and may not be the opinion of the club and its committee.
Last Modified on 25/07/2011 13:07
