Tigers maul Pumas at the Den

The Tigers hosted the Springwood Pumas yesterday at the Den in the QFA Division 1 Seniors game of the round. The Pumas were desperate to give the Tigers a contest after the last round mauling they received in what was a very unusual game by them.

The Tigers sit in top spot with the Pumas in third position and looking to consolidate as the three other critical ladder positions jockey around. They received a blow before the game started with their goal kicking ace Jai Keneally ruled out with illness in the morning.

It was an exciting first term with the Pumas looking to be on the money this time as they fought hard to contain the Tigers attack and get on the board themselves.

While the Tigers made the most of their opportunities kicking three goals straight, the Pumas missed their very gettable chances kicking four minor scores and one goal. The Tigers forward line was already into the action with Zac Quin kicking the first and Ryan Doolan the next two to set the scene for what was to come.

The Tigers ramped up their game in the second term with the midfield going to work on the massive efforts of Jamie Ivers in the air and Duncan McCabe, Louis Quin and Zac Puncken on the ground.

The Tigers kicked six goals for the term to take total control of the game with Zac McLean getting into the action kicking three goals while Quin kicked a further two for the term. It was an exciting contest with the Pumas evergreen star Rowan Page going head to head with McLean. Page was doing his best to weave his magic but McLean was equally influential in what was an enthralling battle all day.

The Tigers went to the main break with an unassailable seven goal lead in what was a very strong period for the Tigers.

The Tigers back six have been almost impenetrable all season with James Stolz leading the way with his intercept and attack while Kyle Henry has taken on the best forward each week. Hayden Rainbow has been terrific at full back with his penetrating kicks while Mitch Bruce has been impossible to pass. Cody Caught has slotted into the group in the last couple of weeks as he gets back to his best form.

The Tigers kicked a further six goals in the third term with the experienced Jack Collings and Eddie Mallan locking the ball into the forward half with their rugged in and under work rebounding at will.

To the Pumas credit they never gave up, kicking three goals in the last term, however it was just a brief lull in the traffic as the Tigers stormed home with an eight goal last term with Zac Quin, Ryan Doolan and Zac McLean finishing with seven, six and four goals respectively. They were able to share it around as well to finish a very good day’s work.

The Tigers will host the Hinterland Blues next week who moved to second place on the ladder yesterday after beating UQ by an extraordinary ninety four points in ominous fashion as they continue to move up the ladder. It looks like being a very exciting top of the table clash next week.

Scores: Mayne 23.11.149 d Springwood 7.6.58

Goals:  Z Quin 7, R Doolan 6, Z McLean 4, E Mallan 2, J Collings, T Korewha, N Galvin,

A Craigie 1.

Best:  Zac Quin, Duncan McCabe, Kyle Henry, Zac McLean, Jack Collings, Ryan Doolan.