Tigers claw pitiful Pies
abc.net.au
May 10, 2008
Coburg put in a dominant performance across the ground to run out comfortable 53-point winners over a disappointing Collingwood outfit at Coburg City Oval today.
For the second time in successive weeks, the Magpies were competitive in the first half before being blown away late, conceding nine goals in the second half while managing only four, the final margin flattering thanks to two late consolation goals.
The Tigers always looked the better side, their strong contingent of AFL-listed players leading the way. Greg Tivendale and Kayne Pettifer were outstanding, Tivendale in particular brilliant in a best-on-ground performance. He was everywhere, particularly in the first half, while Pettifer was also busy with 25 possessions and two goals.
Also catching the eyes of coach Jade Rawlings and Richmond mentor Terry Wallace would have been the performances of Graham Polak and Joel Bowden, both of whom put in strong showings. Bowden, playing forward, proved far too much for the Collingwood defence and if not for some wayward kicking could have done far better than his three-goals-five, while Polak’s strong marking was a standout.
The Magpies, on the other hand, had few winners, with only Ryan Lonie, Ben Reid and Rohan Frost able to hold their heads high after an otherwise disappointing performance.
It didn’t start that way, the Pies with the better of a scrappy opening ten minutes - Jaxson Barham showed shades of father Ricky with a brilliant blind turn and goal to put the first major on the board. From there, it was goal-for-goal, Tivendale brilliant with two including a gem from long range.
Both teams battled hard in an entertaining second term, trading majors as the tempo rose, several scuffles breaking out. By half time, the game was still in the balance, Coburg leading by 13 but by no means in control.
That changed after the break, however, a five goal third term setting up the Tigers’ big victory. While the Richmond contingent still led the way, Jay Schulz and Polak again busy, it was Fortunato Caruso that took the game away from the Magpies. The Coburg terrier was in everything, his pressure and run helping his side to a healthy lead at the last change.
Four Tigers goals to start the fourth saw the game well and truly over, and it could have been worse for the Pies had Bowden not kicked 1.3. In the end it was of little consequence though, Coburg far too good and Collingwood with plenty to think about before next weeks clash with Casey.
http://blogs.abc.net.au/grandstand/2008/05/tigers-claw-pit.html?site=afl_vfl
