Panthers win battle of the big cats

The Tigers travelled to Caloundra yesterday to take on the Panthers in a game that shaped as another blockbuster after the Red Lions inflicted the first loss of the season for the Tigers.

It was also not ideal circumstances with the Tigers having to make a further six changes to their team from last week with some critical players needing to rest their developing soreness as the middle of the season takes it’s toll.

It was however a big boost to have Zac Quin return to the side after four weeks away and he really did make an impact showing no signs of needing to play back into form.

The Tigers kicked with the breeze in the first term in a very fast start for both teams. The Tigers were quickly out of the blocks to have the first goal on the board to Zac Quin with some very good skills coming out of the middle but it took another ten minutes before another major was scored by the Panthers Colby Ledgar.

The game moved from end to end with both teams defence standing up strongly before the term ended with goals to Mayne’s Eddie Mallan and Caloundra’s pocket rocket Dane Stewart in the closing two minutes to have the game evenly poised at the first break at two goals each.

However the Panthers came out blazing in the second term in an all out assault on the Tigers who couldn’t get the ball out of their backline as every time they repelled an attack it came back with interest as the Tigers were outmarked across the middle of the ground. The Panthers kicked an extraordinary one goal and seven behinds before the Tigers could return fire with a goal to Zac McLean.

Remarkably the Tigers were able to stay in the game kicking five goals including another three to Zac Quin for the term while Eddie Mallan kicked the fifth. The Panthers only kicked three goals for the term but a wasteful twelve behinds despite numerous set shots kept the Tigers in the game.

The Panthers were clearly in control after the main break as they again stormed the goals to kick five majors and yet another five behinds while the Tigers were clinging on grimly as they recorded three goals to be just two goals in arrears.

The Tigers backline was under the pump with Casey Barber tearing in all directions to stop the bleeding while Kyle Henry was locked in another epic battle with his Panthers nemesis Zephyr Jenkins and Daniel Schmidt fought gamely with the giant Max Jacobson. Thankfully both had real problems with their radar and did not do too much damage on the scoreboard.

The Tigers midfield was working hard with Jack Collings doing his best to spark the Tigers while Louis Quin created some sparkling football to ignite the forward line and team up with his brother. Jamie Ivers and Hayden Fry did a mountain of work in the middle and around the ground against the tall Panthers timber.

The final quarter saw the Tigers start very well to kick two quick goals to Zac Quin while Jamie Ivers chipped in as well but the Panthers were able to settle the Tigers momentum with a goal to Dean Waugh and a late goal sealed the Tigers fate.

The Panthers were too good on the day and were it not for their inaccuracy the result could have been significantly worse for the Tigers.

The Tigers retain top spot on the ladder despite the second loss in as many games and will be very keen to get some players back over the next few weeks with two byes due over the next three weeks. While the byes are not always appreciated, they may be just what the Tigers need to get the playing group back in order.

The bye next week is followed by a game at the Den against the Moreton Bay Lions who recently took a big scalp against the Springwood Pumas as the competition continues to throw up more interesting results.

Scores: Caloundra 12.23.95 d Mayne 13.4.82

Goals:  Zac Quin 6, Eddie Mallan, Jasper Craven, Zac McLean 2, Jamie Ivers 1.

Best: Casey Barber, Zac Quin, Louis Quin, Jamie Ivers, Daniel Schmidt, Jack Collings.