In what was touted as a major test for the Summerland League's newcomer's, taking on the Ballina Bombers on their home ground, the Tiger's rose to the occasion showing they had the artillery to take down the Bombers on Saturday by 43 points.
With it likely now that the Tigers will play the Bombers in the first knockout semi final this was a major psychological hurdle out of the way for the Tiger's as they charge towards the flag.
Tiger's Captain Josh Smith was happy with the team's efforts "This was an important match, we had to proove to ourselves we can match the big teams away from home if we are going to be a chance in the final's, I'm stoked with the boys efforts, there was no passengers across the park and the lads just keep turning up to the contest the ball. Our skills and teamwork is improving each week and we now have self belief which is a dangerous thing for the other teams."
The Tiger's started the game on fire dominating the ruck and kicking the first 3 goals within 5 minutes to dash to the front from where they were never headed. Ballina are always a tough skilled team but lacked the running to match the Tiger's.
Standouts for the Tiger's included Jacob and Strope in the ruck, Bone and Johnno on the ball. The Tiger's backline is proving to be real handfull for the opposition teams, with Arty directing the traffic and ably supported by Joey, Jaidon, Les and Captain who played a great game out of position at halfback to boost the defence, and bring home the points on his 30th Bday.
Of course you can't win matches without kicking goals and the restructured forward line proved up to the challenge with Gav (3), Roundy (7), Bone (3) Nankers (1), Benny (1), Johnno (1) all sharing the honors.
Best on ground honors would have to go to Jai who dominated the wing and served up more tasty morsels to the forward line than Julie from Master Chef.
All in all another great win for the Tiger's who are now firmly focussed on the upcoming finals.
With only 2 rounds left, Nimbin away next Saturday and Byron at home the following week the Tiger's are looking a major chance to ruffle some feathers.
Score:
Tigers Bombers
6.2 to 2.1
11.3 to 4.5
13.5 to 6.10
16.7 to 7.12
(103) to (60)
Thanks to the coaching and support staff especially injured players Pepe, Earle and Rambo who made the long drive to support the lads.
Also to the diehard Tiger's supporters who who seemed to outnumber the Bombers supporters and cheered the lads home.
PS: Also special mention for Pepe and Sue who hosted the Captain's 30th bash, which will be long remembered for the open fire, tasty pizza's, and the Wheelie Comp between Captain and Jai, which saw Jai take the honors for distance and score extra points with a dramatic dismount rolling headfirst over the handlebars disappearing down the stairs.
Followed by Benny's "What the f&*k did you guys do to my bike!" GOLD!
Solid work Cattledog!
Cutos to Captain - 3 tequila slammers, 3 shotgunned Bundy tins, and many 4x Golds. Last heard saying " I dont drink spirits".
Go the Tiger's!
Last Modified on 20/07/2009 13:56