The Tweed Coast Tigers dream of making the Grand Final in their debut season came oh so close when they went down to Lismore in the heat at Ballina on Saturday by 13.8 (86) to 10.10 (70).
In what has been a truly remarkable season a nearly full strength Tiger's took to the paddock on Saturday confident of being a real threat to the Summerland Flag however hot conditions and a red hot running Swans were to be their undoing.
TheTiger's kicked the first goal of the game however the Swans had first use of the breeze and finished with 3.4 to 1.1 in a tough quarter. Both side threw everything into it trying to gain the advantage.
The second quarter saw the Swans use the wide expanses of Fripp Oval well to kick 4.2 to 3.4 to lead by 19 points at half time.
The Tiger's had to work hard into the wind in the third quarter however the Swans with the wind at their backs and after a slow start they rallied late to kick 5.1 but the Tigers played a very good quarter of football to kick 3.1. The margin had stretched to 31 points at the last change.
The Tigers came out with all guns blazing and reduced the lead to fifteen points with 10 minutes to go. The Swans had dropped off their game but kicked a steadier to eventually win by 16 points 13.8 (86) to 10.10 (70).
To their credit Lismore played a smart running game, and had obviously been paying attention to the Tiger's tactics, using their speed and multiple interchanges to overcome the heat. All the Tiger's players were commmited and left nothing on the paddock, but the dream is over for 2009 as Lismore progress to take on Byron next week.
Congratulations to the Lismore Club and best of luck in the Grand Final next week.
It has been a great debut year for Tweed who have already assembled a supporter base the envy of other clubs and a band of volunteers who have done a terrific job in the first year club.
Big Thanks to all the Tiger's Coaching and Support Staff, The Comittee and of course the great Tiger's supporters who have been fantastic all year. A huge shoutout to Sue for the glorious Tiger's Banners.
We can all look forward to a bigger and better 2010 for the Tiger's.
For the Player's the End of Season Trip is set for the 18, 19, 20 September at an undisclosed location, you need to get your $30 deposit to Popey to secure your seat.
Tiger's Presntation Night is set for the 11th September at the Pottsville Tavern. Tickets on Sale contact Col Richards - 0420 933 189.
Summerland League Best and Fairest.
Lismore onballer Danny Bruce has won the Mason Medal at the League's best & fairest.
Bruce polled 11 votes to win by one vote from Jonathon Bevan of the Tigers. Johnno has had a great season and if he hadn't missed several crucial games its fair to say he would of been a real chacne to win the Mason Medal. Congratualtions to Johnno and also to the Tiger's who polled votes including Captain (6), Roundy (6), Earle, PK, Adam, Jacob, Jai.
Byron's Kane Bullock polled 13 votes but was one of three players who were ineligible due to having served suspensions during the year.
The Leading goalkicker award went to Byron's Doug Perich with Julian Vandendriest from Tiger's second.
Oddly Jules didnt recieve a single vote in the best and fairest, after staring for the Tiger's all season and kicking 2 x 10 goal bags.
Congratulations to all the players for a great year.
Last Modified on 24/08/2009 15:22