The Tigers faced the Springwood Pumas for the third time in the Hart Sport QFA Division 1 competition this year at the Den yesterday in another much anticipated game which would determine placings at the top of the ladder as we near the end of the home and away fixtures.
After two games at Lowe Oval where the Tigers and Pumas shared the spoils, this was a clear decider despite both sides not being entirely at full strength.
While the Pumas drew first blood with a goal from small forward Ryan Colclough after a lengthy period where both sides went end to end, it was the Tigers who took advantage of the cool and very blustery south easterly conditions. The Tigers had first use of the prevailing wind and could have really taken the game away however the conditions were hard to judge and their best goal kickers missed a couple of normally routine set shots.
It was the Tigers reliable goal kickers in Ryan Doolan and Zac McLean who opened their accounts for the day to give the Tigers the start they needed. While Doolan was on the end of some terrific delivery kicking two for the term, it was McLean who ignited the crowd with a kick from the scoreboard pocket judging the wind to perfection in red time giving the Tigers a two goal margin.
It was a good start for the Tigers but they would need to defend their lead strongly with the Pumas able to take their turn with the strong wind advantage and it looked like that was exactly what they were going to do. The reliable big left boot of Brandon Stewart came into play with two long goals on the run to get them up and about and back in the game.
The Tigers have been reliable all season with their ability to arrest momentum and they set about getting the game back on their terms with the midfield taking control again on the back of Jamie Ivers excellent work in the ruck and in the air around the ground. Beau Harris and Eddie Mallan were at their bullocking best around Ivers feet while veteran Jack Collings was effective as usual as was the other Tiger warhorse Sam Paterson.
The Tigers closed out the second term with the forward line feasting on the effective entries again with Zac Quin kicking three on the trot to close out the term and increase their margin to four goals. The Tigers could have increased their lead more but for the swirling conditions that they were kicking into throughout the quarter accumulating another five minor scores.
The Tigers backline has been very effective all season as they continue to grow in confidence with James Stolz proving to be a strong leader while Kyle Henry is taking scalps every week with his pace, strength and aerial work a feature. Once again the quiet achievers down back in Mitch Bruce and Digby Morison blanketed their opponents to keep the Pumas scoring to a minimum.
The Tigers continued on in the same fashion in the second half to take the honours for the game with a six goal margin in a very good result. Zac Quin returned to the team after a few weeks layoff to finish with five goals getting on the end of some very good work down field as the Tigers returned to the winners list after their loss to Coorparoo last week.
Both sides struggled with the wind kicking their fair share of points but ultimately it was once again a very entertaining game between these two teams who know each others players and games very well.
In the biggest upset of the round Caloundra overcame Coorparoo which meant the Tigers returned to top spot on the ladder by the slimmest of percentage points keeping the competition on the boil as we head into the finals.
The Tigers play danger side UQ Red Lions next week at University and will be keen to keep their wining form on track in what shapes as another exciting contest.
Scores: Mayne 11.15.81 d Springwood 6.10.46
Goals: Z Quin 5, R Doolan 2, J Collings, Z McLean, S Paterson, Z Puncken 1.
Best: B Harris, J Ivers, K Henry, J Stolz, Z Quin, Z McLean.
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