The Tigers travelled to North Street, Caloundra yesterday to take on the Panthers in the penultimate home and away round for the 2024 Hart Sport Cup in another must win game to challenge for the minor premiership. The top of the table has been alternating between the Tigers and the Coorparoo Kings all year and yesterday was another chance for the position to change with both clubs on the same points.
The Tigers have played the Panthers twice already this season coming out on top on each occasion albeit with a strong challenge each time from the Sunshine Coast team.
It was important for the Tigers to get off to a good start but it hasn’t always been their strong suit. The Panthers have some very quick small men and they didn’t waste any time putting their pace to good effect before Ryan McCombe kicked truly to strike first blood.
While the Tigers were under the pump early the stabilising effect of James Stolz supported by Jono Skippen helped them gradually shift momentum before Tom Fry slotted a set shot from the boundary to get their game up and going.
It was then the great work in the midfield led by Beau Harris which had the ball zinging into the Tigers forward line with Ryan Doolan on the end of some very good entry. Doolan finished off three strong marks with precision kicking to have the Tigers up by the three goals at the first break and looking like they had the game on their terms.
The second term saw the Panthers step into gear again using their pace to good effect with Dane Stewart very dynamic with his gut running and enthusiasm a feature as both sides went goal for goal for a very exciting term.
The Tiger veterans Jack Collings and Sam Paterson got into the action with two quality goals to keep the Tigers ticking over while Doolan and his spearhead partner Zac Quin also kept the scoreboard ticking over.
The Tigers increased their lead by a goal at the half time break having withstood the Panthers flourish.
The Tigers broke loose in the third term with Club Captain Zac McLean stepping on the gas to lead his team with an onslought of attack. McLean provided another dangerous target for the Tigers kicking three of his four goals for the game in this term.
The Tigers were in control on the middle with Jamie Ivers giving his followers plenty of first use while he also was strong in the air all around the ground in a comprehensive display.
The Tigers had pushed their lead out to nine goals by the final break with percentage well on their mind as they looked to challenge for the top spot once again.
The final term was all about finishing the game off as effectively as possible so it was very pleasing to see the team dig in to finish off with a five goal quarter with plenty of drive from all over the ground.
Doolan, Quin and Harris all chipped in with goals but it was a triple touch give and get goal from young gun Haydn Petersen which gave some real energy and excitement to the group to finish off the game.
The Tigers win was just enough to propel them to top spot with the Kings have some trouble shaking off a determined Hinterland Blues.
The Tigers play the Beenleigh Buffaloes at home this coming Saturday while the Kings take on Caloundra at Caloundra in a round which will determine the minor premiers for 2024.
Scores: Mayne 19.10.124 d Caloundra 7.8.50
Goals: R Doolan 6, Z McLean 4, Z Quin 2, T Fry, J Collings, B Wilkinson, B Harris, Z Puncken, H Petersen, S Paterson 1.
Best: R Doolan, J Collings, Z McLean, T Fry, J Stolz, B Harris.
コメント