TIGERS UNDEFEATED AT HOME
coburgtigers.com.au
Grant Scott
Round 9
Coburg Tigers 4.3 7.5 11.10 15.12 (102)
Casey Scorpions 4.1 5.5 5.7 9.10 (64)
Coming off the bye, the in-form Coburg Tigers continued on their merry way with a comfortable 38 point win over the Casey Scorpions at City Oval this week.
With the Burgers and Scorpions sitting in 4th and 5th spots respectively on the TRUenergy ladder before the game, and only percentage separating the two, the match up was another opportunity for Andy Collins’ young team to put some space between themselves and their immediate challengers.
Kicking towards the northern end of City Oval with a favouring breeze, the Scorpions opened with the first goal of the game off the boot of St.Kilda listed player Justin Sweeney.
Cam ‘House’ Howat responded for the Burgers two minutes later and began what would be a first-rate game for the hard nosed utility. Some swift movement of the football into a two pronged tall attack of senior Richmond players Jay Schulz and Cleve Hughes resulted in a goal to Schulz shortly after, and further goals to ruckman Travis Ronaldson and rover David Rodan saw the Burgers open up a promising 14 point lead by the 23 minute mark.
Despite the solid play of ‘House’ Howat, Daniel Jackson in the back line, Ronaldson in the ruck and back pocket Jacob “Rocky Raccoon” King sporting his new Davey Crocket haircut, the Burgers struggled to deliver into the breeze off the half back line with any accuracy - two late goals to the Scorpions resulting and the Burger lead narrowing to 2 points by quarter’s end.
The second quarter got off to a good start for the Burgers with Schulz kicking his second for the match and Ronaldson continuing to get the better of Scorpion ruckman Dylan Pfitzner. But equal resistance into the breeze from the determined Scorpions saw play rebound between the half back lines, a freak six pointer on the goal line by the Scorpions Steve Harrison at the 12 minute mark finally breaking the goalless period and narrowing the Burger lead to just 1 point.
A snap from the busy Eric Kuret and a rifling set shot from on-baller Paul Shelton enabled the Burgers to extend their lead to 12 points by the half-time break, but not before a heated fracas involving several Burger and Scorpion players erupted in front of the pro-Burger crowd at the grand stand end, the tough and fiery King losing his jumper after it was thrown into the crowd!
Whether or not the second quarter skirmish was the inspiration for it or not, the 3rd quarter would turn out to be a dominant one for the Burgers.
With ‘House’ Howat and ex Calder Canon Sean Huy racking up many hard won possessions, and the consistent Jeremy Humm and Rodan also doing damage around the ground, the Burgers managed to grab the ascendancy early in the quarter, albeit not being able to convert on the scoreboard.
However, relentless physical pressure – a trademark of the Burgers this year - would ultimately allow them to slot thrOugh 4 unanswERed goals for the quarter, Schulz kicking his 3rd for the match and dangerous opportunists Jonno Mullins and Vinnie Randello also causing headaches for the Scorpion backline. By the three quarter time siren, the hard-hitting Burgers had established a match winning 39 point lead.
The first two goals of the fourth quarter would go to the Scorpions. Eventually, a professional tall forward’s mark by Schulz, edging his opponent under the ball followed up by a quick pass to Hughes in the goal square would awaken the sluggish Burgers.
Further goals then to Schulz himself, another from Jonno Mullins after a spectacular mark, and a second for the match to the silky Hughes would see the Burgers run out comfortable 38 point victors, Howat and Kuret also continuing to provide input around the ground.
The match again highlighted the Burger’s team orientated style of play with numerous players making their contribution at various points throughout the game - tackling and pressure a key feature, along with smart and efficient movement of the football.
This week’s win elevates the Burger’s into 3rd spot on the ladder, carrying with them the second best percentage in the competition.
In what is developing into an exciting season for the Coburg Club, the Reserves rebounded strongly from a narrow loss last week to the Northern Bullants by winning their match by a comprehensive 92 points and moving back into the top five. Strong performances from Dean Limbach (7 goals), Nat Caruso and James Rimington underlying the playing depth at Coburg, and the keen competition for a senior spot at present.
The Burgers travel to 6th placed Frankston this Sunday, the first of three away games in a row.
Please, get to the games over the next few weeks if you can and support the boys and help ensure that their winning form this season continues.
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