If there was any doubt whether the Tweed Coast Tigers would be title contenders in their inaugural season it was put to bed in a trail of black and white feathers left all over Pottsville Oval on Saturday.
For the first time this season the Tigers put nearly a full strength team on the park and dominated the reigning Premiers from the first bounce in a monumental step for the fledgling club winning by 59 points and handing the Magpies their worst defeat in 15 years.
For Club President Col Richards it was something he had been working towards for some time “I’m so proud right now, proud to part of a club with such spirit, the fantastic Committee, the vocal home crowd and of course our squad of players. We will enjoy this one for now but the jobs not done yet, we proved today that we are a real title contender and we will now look to the finals.”
The Tigers have been working hard all season and whilst they have shown glimpses of their potential Saturday’s result has now set the benchmark for the future. From the backs to the forwards the boys stood up and were counted with quality football played across the park.
The first quarter saw the Tigers running into the wind and lead at the first break by 6.2 to 3.0. As with most games of AFL the ruck is the engine room and the Tigers ruckman Jacob played his best game this season delivering quality ball to the centres whose short handballing skills was a pleasure to watch.
Once delivered into the forward lines the Tigers had the twin towers of Roundy and Jules whose ability to take the high flying mark and then convert into goals was awesome. Roundy who also played ruck throughout the day, at times resembled a freight train clearing out packs of players (including a few of his own) in his monstrous efforts to get the ball. He was aptly rewarded with 7 goals. While Roundy was the wrecking ball Jules and Jacob provided quality leads and both bagged 5 goals for the game.
Whilst Byron was missing several key players they are still a quality team and if it wasn’t for the super human efforts of Arty and his back men the Magpies could have clawed their way back into the game. Running like a teenager Arty repelled attack after attack and was well supported by Pauly P, Herc, Peaches, Les and Captain.
At 3 qrt time the Tigers were in a unusually dominate position of 18.11 to Byron’s 8.3 , if the accuracy in front of the sticks was better the scoreboard could of been worse for the Pies. Let’s not forget the last time these two teams met at Pottsville the Magpies won by more than 90 points, that’s a big turnaround for such a young Club.
Byron showed glimpses of their best in the final qrt to kick some quality goals but the damage had been done and the Tiger’s running men including Johnno, PK and Jai just kept on running as they had all day, the Tiger’s big winners by 59 points at the final horn.
Truly a magic day for the Tiger’s with fantastic effort across the park by all players, best on ground honours was shared by Jacob and Arty with Roundy and Johnno getting special mentions.
Goal Kickers for the Tiger’s - Roundy (7), Jules and Jacob (5) each, Johnno (2), Gav, Matty and Jimbob (1) a piece.
The day was made even more special due to the Tiger’s fantastic sponsors being treated to a VIP tent and the best game of the season.
Special thanks to all the Coaching staff, committee members, volunteers and of course the Potty home crowd for an awesome first home and away season. Well done to all!
Tiger’s next game will be a Semi Final at Lismore on Saturday the 15th August (vs Ballina). So get down there and support the Tiger’s on their quest for the flag.
Please note: These are the views of the author and may not be the views of the club and it’s committee.
Last Modified on 03/08/2009 09:22
