Tigers win top of the table clash

It was the top of the table clash that everyone had been waiting for yesterday at the Den between the Mayne Tigers and the University of Queensland Red Lions. Neither team had been beaten up until yesterday and the scene was set with the Red Lions and the Tigers having it all their own way up until now and the contest did not disappoint.

The Tigers were without their premier ruckman Jamie Ivers and reigning Club Champion Beau Harris so it was up to others to step up and take their opportunity. Ben Wilkinson gave away plenty in height but nothing in courage and determination to make a contest all day against the Red Lions big men while Casey Barber was dynamic at ground level.

The Tigers got off to a great start despite giving away plenty of height at the centre bounce with Barber, Louis Quin and Jack Collings pouncing to gain clearance.

The Tigers welcomed back Zac Quin after several weeks and he didn’t waste any time getting on the scoreboard kicking the home team’s first goal. Spearhead Ryan Doolan kicked the second as the Tigers forward line got back to work with Zac McLean directing traffic. It was all Tigers for most of the term with Duncan McCabe chipping in for another two goals before the Red Lions Blayke Lane kicked their second from a set shot after the siren.

The Tigers backline had held strong for thirty minutes against plenty of determined work from the Red Lions. It had been a great start for the Tigers kicking five goals to take a twenty point lead and it would prove a critical margin as the game developed.

The second term tightened up as the Red Lions put their plans into place to limit the opportunities for the Tigers’ three pronged attack with Charlie Pershouse putting in plenty of work leading his backline with precision while the Tigers backline were also holding strong with James Stolz leading his charges from the front with some impressive marking and composure while Kyle Henry spoiled and marked with strength. Noah Breen was once again very settled and creative in the back six while Mitch Bruce chased and tackled to great effect.

The Tigers managed to eke out a further lead at the main break after kicking three goals to the Red Lions two in an enthralling quarter where both sides worked tirelessly back and forward. It had come at a cost with the Tigers now two men down and plenty to do to win the game.

It was inevitable and expected that the Red Lions would come out firing after the long break given their successful season to date and so it was as they kicked three goals to the Tigers two while both sides missed some gettable set shots as the pressure was showing at both ends. Zac Quin was still hitting the scoreboard as he got on his way to five goals for the game but it could have been a bigger bag had he been able to make the most of his opportunities.

The last term was set for a close finish with the Red Lions pressing and the Tigers working overtime with two less rotations.

The Red Lions threw everything at the Tigers but they held strong with James Stolz repelling several key raids with timely intercepting marks.

Zac Quin and Zac McLean chipped in with goals at the required moments to have the Tigers hold a sixteen point margin at the end in a very exciting game between the two top teams.

The Tigers will have a bye next week before hosting Sandgate for the Mick Nolan Medal game and Reunion Day on  Saturday 31st May.

Scores: Mayne 11.13.79 d UQ 9.9.63

Goals:  Zac Quin 5, Zac McLean, Duncan McCabe 2, Ryan Doolan, Eddie Mallan 1.

Best: James Stolz, Casey Barber, Jack Collings, Digby Morison, Louis Quin, Noah Breen.