The Tigers returned to the winners list yesterday with a much needed victory over the Beenleigh Buffaloes at the Den.
Both clubs were desperate for the win in a very tight Hart Sport Cup Division 1 competition after several tight finishes to start their season.
The Tigers drew the first blood with a quick goal to start the day but a string of infringements gifted the Buffaloes the next four goals from free kicks in front of goal to put them well on the back foot. It was however a high scoring first term as the Tigers struck back to get within a goal of the Buffaloes in an eleven goal stanza setting up a scintillating contest for the remainder of the game.
It was full on attack from both sides with the midfields going head to head. Zac Quin was back into the Tigers team gathering plenty of possessions and valuable centre clearances. The Tigers rotated their big men in Daniel Schmidt, Josh Westerberg and Hayden Fry through the middle to take on the Buffaloes giant George James.
The Buffaloes Eddy brothers were busy while Broadie Murdoch was dangerous providing attack off the half backline.
It was time for a breather at the first break after the scoring spree with both sides needing to work out how they might stem the tide while still maintaining their own momentum.
It was the Tigers that took the ascendency in the second term as they did continue to create opportunities through the middle although they did over possess at times to turn opportunities into turnovers frustrating their forwards.
The Tigers broke loose kicking four goals to one led by the ever reliable Jack Collings kicking two of his own to make it a good period for the home team.
The Tigers went into the main break with a two goal lead but it was a tight contest that threatened to go either way.
The Tigers backline played an important role in the second term to hold out a very dangerous Buffaloes group. Dean Hartley did what he has consistently done for the Tigers for the last ten years taking strong intercept marks, spoiling to perfection and marshalling the men’s department. Youngster Callum Ferguson gave the Tigers plenty of dash off the half backline to drive the Tigers deep into attack.
The Third term saw the Buffaloes come out firing to take the game right up to the Tigers as the goals flowed once again. The term finished with the Buffaloes holding a five point margin but it was anyone’s game for the taking.
Craig Blaschke made an exciting debut being judged best on ground for the Tigers as he accumulated four goals and made a critical contribution to the ultimate result. Blaschke, together with Casey Barber provided the Tigers with much needed crumbing work while Ryan Doolan provided a strong target all day.
The Tigers controlled the final term with four important goals while holding the Buffaloes goalless to win the important contest and keep their season alive.
The Tigers now sit in fourth place but yesterday’s results underline just how close the competition is this year with every club now having recorded at least one win out of five games and the very real prospect of winning every week. It is an exciting competition where every team needs to bring their A game every week. The Tigers travel to Caloundra this week looking to maintain momentum.
Scores: Mayne 15.5.95 d Beenleigh 11.12.78 Goals: C Blaschke 4, C Barber, Z Quin, J Collings, Z McLean, K Henry 2, C Ferguson 1. Best: C Blaschke, D Hartley, J Westerberg, Z Quin, R Doolan, C Ferguson.
