Tigers eclipse Lions after slow start

The Tigers kept on their winning way today at the Den against the Moreton Bay Lions despite a determined start by the visitors which had the home team in a spin early.

The Lions got off to a strong start to shock the Tigers who have had it mostly their own way in recent weeks. While the Tigers kicked the first goal through Digby Morison, it was a tough start to the game and just the thing that the Tigers needed to shake them into gear as the two teams went goal for goal.

The Tigers managed to arrive at the first break with a one goal lead but it was far from their best work and due credit must go to the Lions who were well in the hunt.

It was no time for panic but there was a change required for the Tigers to get their game underway. The Tigers midfield stepped up a gear thanks to big man Jamie Ivers who returned this week after several weeks in recovery. He went on to lead the way for the Tigers with his experience in the ruck and around the ground a feature for the remainder of the game. Zac Puncken has been one of the prime movers for the season particular doing some great work in the wet conditions but he revelled in the dry today to create plenty of opportunities along with Beau Harris and Louis Quin who dominated in the middle after the first break.

The Tigers strong forward line feasted on the improved supply to create havoc for their Lions opponents. They had no answer for Zac Quin who had another day out against the Lions. He kicked 15 goals in this game last year and followed it up today with another 8 majors in another impressive display in which the Lions will be having nightmares thinking about him.

The Tigers other spearheads in Ryan Doolan and Zac McLean kicked three each for the day as they shared the footy around while new recruit Tex Korewha also kicked three in between giving Jamie Ivers a spell in the ruck when required.

The Tigers ran amok in the middle two terms of the game to put it completely out of the Lions reach with a five goal second period and a comprehensive ten goal third quarter.

It wasn’t all one way traffic with the Tigers defence doing a masterful job led by James Stolz once again. He was well supported by Kyle Henry as the Tigers men’s department repelled most of the Lions good work. The Tigers defence only let in one goal after quarter time in a strong display.

The Tigers finished the game somewhat inaccurately with three goals and seven behinds in the final term in what could have created an even bigger margin at the end.

The Tigers retained their unbeaten record and top spot on the ladder but will need to keep their feet on the ground as they approach the second half of the season.

They take on Caloundra next week on the Sunshine Coast. The Panthers are always tough to beat at Carter Park so the Tigers will need to be ready from the first bounce.

Scores: Mayne 23.19.157 d Moreton Bay 5.8.38

Goals:  Zac Quin 8, Zac McLean, Ryan Doolan, Tex Korewha 3, Nick Galvin, Beau Harris 2, Digby Morison, Xavier Craven 1.

Best: Zac Quin, Zac Puncken, Jamie Ivers, Louis Quin, James Stolz, Ryan Doolan.