Tigers claw down Eagles after second half blitz

With very different conditions confronting us on Saturday, I felt it was always going to be a challenge of who could adjust earlier. I thought we did this quite well.

Even though the scoreboard didn’t reflect our effort of the first quarter, I was very happy with the way we started the game, and I was confident that if we continued to apply our pressure and were clean with our hands that the scoreboard would take care of itself.

The second quarter was a closer affair, with both sides having 12 inside 50 entries. We were able to kick 1:3 into the breeze and we only allowed the Eagles to score 2:3. It was one of the last passages of play of the second quarter that saw Luke Reynolds capitalise on a deep entry and kick a goal from the goal square.

We started the second half well with Marlon Motlop kicking a goal from the opening centre bounce. Our midfield were getting their hands on the ball and providing our forwards with plenty of opportunities, with 18 inside 50 entries. We kicked 6 goals, with Luke Reynolds kicking another one on the siren.

The final quarter was always going to be a big challenge for us, with a strong breeze going towards the northern end that we were kicking into. Our defensive pressure was very good for the whole game, but we started to win the contested ball and get our hands on it first, which allowed our forwards to capitalise on their opportunities.

Luke Reynolds was very good, kicking three goals along with Lachie Hosie. Both of our Captains also led the way in defence, playing very good games. Brett Turner played his best game since moving to the club and Matt Snook and Luke Partington continued to play their brand of football. We unveiled another debutant on Saturday night with Cooper Hornsell playing his first game on the wing, playing his role and kicking a goal which saw everyone on the field get around the young man.

Another challenge awaits us this week with a trip to Elizabeth to play against Centrals who have started the year off with a good win against North in round, one and a competitive showing against a strong Port outfit on Saturday. Look forward to seeing you at X Convenience Oval this Saturday at 2:10pm.

– Brett Hand, Senior Coach

Goal kickers: L. Hosie (3), L. Reynolds (3), M. Motlop (2), D. Bailey, A. Bradley, C. Horsnell, L. McBean, M. Snook