Tigers find Anzac fighting spiritBy Heather Mellican
Coburg Tigers website
April 30, 2012The Coburg Tigers were able to bring home the Match Cup with a 13-point win against the Box Hill Hawks in their annual Anzac Match.
Willie Wheeler was awarded the Player of the Match Anzac trophy, picking up 31 disposals, five tackles and a goal. Other standouts included Richmond ruckman, Angus Graham registering 32 hitouts, more than Box Hill accumulated for the day, whilst racking up 24 disposals around the ground, as well as Adamm Maric with 32 touches and Matt Arnot, Christian McErlain and Leigh Masters also provided good second efforts around the ground.
Conditions were rough at Highgate Reserve in Craigieburn, with the swirling wind posing problems for both teams early on.
The first goal did not come until the 21 minute mark of the first quarter from Box Hill and Coburg were not able to respond until the first quarter siren, with a quick goal from young recruit from the Calder Cannons, Ozgar Uysal, who threw his body on the line and showed determination throughout the match.
A quick centre clearance at the start of the second quarter, provided a captain’s goal for Nick Carnell, which lifted the momentum in favour of the Tigers as they began to control the play, but were unable to convert their set shots in the challenging conditions.
Box Hill were able to break into the game, with good run and clearances from their midfield, as Coburg struggled to cover their running forward options.
The Hawks also took advantage of the Tigers’ overuse of the ball, causing turnovers.
Box Hill went into the second half with a two-point lead and momentum, scoring a quick goal and taking advantage of all opportunities in their forward line.
Coburg’s determination prevented the game from slipping away and found some Anzac fighting spirit to score four consecutive goals from Wheeler, Thomas, McGuane and 50 gamer, Ben Clifton. Masters was consistently providing second efforts around the ground, picking up nine touches in the third and playing a big part in giving the Tigers a four point lead going into the final quarter.
The Tigers continued to go hard at it, controlling the clearances, 11-5, in the final term, with the midfield providing options all over the ground and running with the ball to create opportunities and McGuane providing a solid target up forward.
When Coburg picked up two quick goals early on from Tom Derickx and Nick Maric, they looked to have sealed the game. However, missed opportunities in front of goal kept the Hawks in with a chance, with the Tigers kicking 11 behinds in the final quarter.
Although Box Hill tried to strike back with two goals, time was on Coburg’s side as they were able to take home the four points.
Coburg Captain Nick Carnell was happy with the win as he accepted the Anzac Match Cup and acknowledged the Hawks for their competitive efforts.
“It’s always a great day for the Anzac Day match.”
“Box Hill fought until the end and our boys really stuck at it to bring home the win.”
Coburg Tigers 1.2.8 4.6.30 9.8.62 11.19.85
Box Hill Hawks 1.4.10 4.8.32 8.10.58 10.12.72
Coburg Tigers
Goal Kickers: N. Carnell 3, L. McGuane 2, T. DERICKX , O. Uysal , N. Thomas , B. Clifton , W. Wheeler , N. Maric
Best Players: W. Wheeler, A. Maric, C. McErlain, A. Graham, L. Masters, J. Post
Box Hill Hawks
Goal Kickers: A. Frank 3, B. Hill 2, D. HUGHES , L. Lowden , C. Young , D. WANGANEEN , M. Hallahan
Best Players: J. Boumann, C. Young, B. Hill, T. Murphy, B. Fagan, C. Bateman
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