Tigers win battle of the Cats at home

The Tigers played their first home game for the QFA Division 1 season yesterday against the Calundra Panthers.

The Tigers were without several of their stars with club champions Jack Collings and Beau Harris along with dynamo brothers Zac and Louis Quin creating a range of opportunities for young Tigers to play a role.

The club welcomed former Everton Junior Duncan McCabe as well as Connor West originally from Brothers Football Club in Rockhampton who last played at the Southport Sharks. Both slotted straight into the Tigers lineup to make strong debuts for the club.

This game promised to be an exciting affair and that is exactly how it started with the Panthers coming to play after a strong start to their season.

The first term was a very even contest with both sides working hard in close looking to break out wherever the opportunity might arise. The Tigers drew first blood with a goal to Ryan Doolan who had a big tussle on his hands yesterday in an enthralling contest. The Tigers finished the term with a one point advantage after two more goals to Nick Galvin and Zac McLean as the Panthers squandered a lot of their chances with seven minor scores.

Eddie Mallan kick started the Tigers charge in the second term with two goals to surge ahead while the backline held the Panthers to just three points for the term. Zac McLean was creating his magic to get the Tigers up and about capping it off with his second goal while pocket rocket Jack Coghlan was everywhere making havoc for the Panthers also finishing off the term with the Tigers fourth goal to take them to a twenty five point lead at the main break.

Jamie Ivers was once again leading the Tigers from the front in a titanic battle in the ruck with Connor Barling. Ivers has been terrific for the Tigers this season as he takes on the bulk of the rucking duties but Ben Wilkinson needs a special mention for his support when Ivers needs a rest. Wilkinson has taken on some much bigger opponents this season to keep the Tigers moving forward when required as well as being great around the ground.

Casey Barber was brave around the stoppages as usual with his speed a feature as well as his aggressive tackling. It was particularly important as the rain came in during the third term to soak the ground and make the game a much closer and bruising affair.

The third term was marred by the torrential rain which spoiled what had been a very exciting game. The Panthers were able to narrow the gap to twenty points at the last break.

The Tigers defence led by James Stolz with support from a wily Digby Morison was superb all day keeping the Panthers attack in check.

The Tigers were able to come home strong with some impressive attack with Ryan Doolan kicking a goal early and the dynamic Jack Coghlan kicking the sealer late in the quarter in a best on ground performance.

The Tigers hold on to the top spot on the ladder by percentage after their three wins while the UQ Red Lions share the lead after winning their three games so far.

The Tigers take on the consistently strong Springwood Pumas next week at Lowe Oval.

Scores: Mayne 10.9.69 d Caloundra 4.15.39

Goals:  E Mallan, J Coghlan, Z McLean, R Doolan 2, D McCabe, N Galvin 1.

Best: Jack Coghlan, Eddie Mallan, Casey Barber, James Stolz, Digby Morison, Jamie Ivers.