Tigers finish strongly to overcome Red Lions

The return match yesterday with the University of Queensland in the QFA Division 1 was a much anticipated top of the table clash at the University where the Red Lions are always hard to beat.

The Red Lions started the season in red hot form but over recent weeks have struggled to maintain that intensity and with their usual problems with University leave for some of their better players it was going to be an interesting match up.

The Tigers on the other hand lost their two ruckman to a week’s suspension out of last week’s meeting with Caloundra so things were perhaps back to an even contest.

This is exactly how it looked in the first term with the Red Lions starting strongly to kick the first two behinds of the game and look like they were ready to play. It would be half way through the first term before the Tigers could kick the first major through Xavier Craven as both sides defended strongly with each team deploying a strong press on the tight dimensions of the University ground.

The Red Lions have a very good defensive system and they were doing their utmost to contain the Tigers multi pronged attack before Ryan Doolan was able to take a strong mark and play on to kick the Tigers second. The Red Lions finished the quarter on a high through their spearhead Thomas Campbell who has been leading the table this year so far.

The Tigers went to the break with a one goal lead and plenty to think about with the Red Lions looking sharp.

The man for everything Zac McLean was given the role of ruckman in the absence of the Tigers two big men and it was no easy day for him as he gave away at least ten centimetres in height and reach but he was terrific in making a contest which the Tigers running brigade made the most of to kick start the second term.

Louis Quin and Zac Puncken were superb at ground level while the ever busy forward line made the most of the quick entry. Ryan Doolan was getting plenty of attention as was Zac Quin but they both managed to hit the scoreboard in the second term while Nick Galvin kicked two remarkable snaps with one taking a startling off break to stun the Red Lions.

While the Tigers piled on five goals, the Red Lions weren’t done be any means keeping in touch with two goals of their own.

The Tigers backline was terrific with James Stolz leading the way once again as he marked, spoiled and returned serve all day following on from his effort last week. Hayden Fry was a human blanket at centre half back while Kyle Henry did another stopping job on a key forward Thomas Campbell to be in the Tigers best.

The Tigers lost their way a little in the third term as their forward entries became predictable and less targeted. The Red Lions defence was very effective in this period limiting the Tigers to two late goals after they had narrowed the margin to nine points. The Tigers finally lowered their eyes with some precision entries from Jack Collings to kick two late goals through Doolan and Quin.

The last term was all Tigers as they really raised the intensity with Eddie Mallan crashing packs and the usual suspects getting on the end of some quality entries. Ryan Doolan finished with six goals to round out a very good game while Zac Quin and Nick Galvin finished with three.

The Tigers return to the Den next week to host the Springwood Pumas.

Scores: Mayne 15.15.105 d UQ 8.13.61

Goals:  Ryan Doolan 6, Zac Quin, Nick Galvin 3, Eddie Mallan, Xavier Craven, Zac McLean 1.

Best: James Stolz, Ryan Doolan, Zac Puncken, Hayden Fry, Kyle Henry, Nick Galvin.