The Tigers suffered a narrow 2-point loss yesterday to the Caloundra Panthers at Carter Park, Caloundra.
The Tigers were looking to continue their winning form, while the Panthers were aiming to retain their second place on the Hart Sports Division 1 QFA ladder.
The first quarter saw the Panthers dominate the general play and scoreboard, kicking three goals. While the Tigers could only record a solitary point.
During the quarter time break the Tigers were able to make adjustments to the game plan to match Caloundra’s pace and ball use. The Tigers took possession of the quarter matching their opponents speed and ball use. There was a noticeable increase in the Tigers determination and attitude to make sure that this game would not slip away. In particular, the midfield lifted to dominate clearances and create scoring opportunities from stoppages. The Tigers were again very well served by Daniel Schmidt our key ruckman and midfield general Jack Collings who lead the way in getting the Tigers back into the game. The hard work began to pay off as the Tigers kicked five goals to Caloundra’s two – narrowing the deficit at the half to being only two points. Jamie Ivers worked hard up in the forward line and in the ruck to score goals and provide opportunities to his teammates. Daniel Evans provided strong service in the mid field and kicked a goal much to his relief. The Tigers defence also dominated in the second quarter deflecting a number of Panther advances and rebounding into attack with a high level of speed.
At the main break, it was clear that this was going to be another very close game. This has been a hallmark of all of the games in this season, each week the Tigers competitors have been closely matched to our team and many observers are of the opinion that this is the most closely matched competition in a long time.
The second half became an “arm wrestler” with both sides matching each other for intensity and control of the ball. Despite the warm weather, both sides continued to play a high tempo and physical pressure game style. This intensity from both sides was typified by Louis Quin who showed plenty of attack on the ball out on the eastern wing, winning several hard ball gets and disrupting Caloundra’s ball movement. The Tigers defence continued to work well as a unit with Jeremy Duck working hard to intercept Panther attacks and switch play to advance the Tigers up the field.
The final term saw no let up in intensity. The Tigers generally dominated the play but could not convert their opportunities on the score board into goals. The level of drama continued to build as the Tigers clawed their way back to within a couple of points. With around two minutes of game time on the clock , Zac Quin kicked a goal which the Tiger fans thought could have been the game sealer! However the Panthers were able to clear from the restart and kick what would be the winning goal with only seconds to go on the game clock.
The Tigers host Moreton Bay Lions at the Den next Saturday.
Final Scores
Caloundra Panthers 11. 6 .72 Mayne Tigers 11.4 .70
Goals: J Ivers 2, R Doolan 2, C Barber, Z Quin, J Collings, B Wilkinson, Z McLean, C Blaschke, D Evans 1
Best Players- D Schmidt, J Collings, J Ivers, D Evans, L Quin, J Duck
