While the final score might suggest a comfortable win to the Tigers, this match was anything but that with both sides engaged in a riveting contest all day. In the slightly damp conditions at the Harry Trott oval, both backlines were dominant early. It took 9 minutes before Michael Barnes found Tom Tyquin in space who opened the Tiger’s account. Captain Simon Richards was his usual “hard at it” self and got on the end of a lovely tap from Paul Wintle to send the Tigers to the first break with a 2 goal advantage.
Collegians hit the scoreboard early in the second stanza to close the gap before Michael Curcio took a big mark and goaled to edge the Tigers back in front. But the match had swung and while the Tigers missed some opportunities, Collegians found some renewed vigor, scored the next four goals, and went into the sheds with a 13 point advantage.
At the half time break Coach Mick Dwyer remind his charges of the game plan in no uncertain terms and, to their credit, the boys put it into action. While Hiwad Shaikab, Tom Garside, Dean Porter and Tim Doherty defended fiercely, Cameron Hansen and Luke Terrell finished off great running work from Tom Tyquin, Chris Mangoni and Pat Tyquin. Skipper Simon Richards threaded the needle from the boundary to put the Tigers back in front and a big goal from Barnesy (Michael Barnes) gave us the slight advantage at ¾ time after the opposition had been held goalless for the quarter.
It was still anyone’s game and the arm wrestle continued well into the final quarter. Eventually Michael Barnes and Paul Wintle combined to deliver the ball to Skipper Richards who popped it through from point blank range. A few minute later Luke Wintle takes a strong pack mark in the square and we’re feeling a little more comfortable about the outcome. Chris Mangoni scrambles a beautiful rover’s goal, Jimmy Murnane kicks a well executed one off the outside of his boot, Pat Kean gets a classic running goal, Cameron Hanson chips in and, just to show he’s still got it, Luke Terrell roves and snaps through a banana to seal the deal. In conclusion, a hard fought win on the road against quality opposition.
Despite seeming competitive in general play, the Reserves were outgunned on the scoreboard. The U19 Red (Premier) got off to a flying start and had a good win over Old Melburnians and the U19 Blue (South) team had a comfortable win over Old Mentonians.