Round 16 Match ReportBy Glenn Robertson
coburgtigers.com.au
COBURG TIGERS v BOX HILL
ABD GROUP STADIUM
SATURDAY 1st AUGUST
The Burgers returned home to ABD Group Stadium on Saturday to take on the Box Hill Hawks. It was a vital game for the Burgers with a win desperately needed to keep within touch of the top eight. The Hawks sat just above Coburg on the ladder and a tight contest was expected. The big hype before the match was around the return of Richmond star Matthew Richardson, however sadly he reinjured his hamstring and left the field during the first term.
Coburg got off to a great start in the first term and finished the quarter sixteen points up. The only disappointing note to the term was the accuracy at goal, with the boys spraying a few shots kicking three goals six behinds. Shane Tuck and Mark Coughlan again lined up for the Burgers and both played solid games collecting over twenty five possessions each.
Coburg Tigers 3.6 (24) Box Hill 1.2 (8 )
After the great first quarter the boys let the foot off the pedal in the second term. Box Hill got on top in the middle of the ground and the ball rarely entered the Burgers forward fifty. Coburg’s defence stood up well, but couldn’t prevent the Hawks slotting through five goals for the term. Graham Polak was again a solid contributor for the Burgers holding strong marks and using the ball effectively. He has become a key component of this Burger side. The Hawks went into the main change thirteen points up.
Coburg Tigers 4.8 (32) Box Hill 6.9 (45)
Joel Bowden was back to his best form playing through the middle of the ground. His left foot bullets set up multiple Burger scoring opportunities all day and he finished with a match high thirty eight disposals and two goals in a best on field display. Bowden along with Tim Clarke and Ben Clifton lifted in the third term and helped Coburg to within four points at the final change. The Burgers kicked five goals to three for the term.
Coburg Tigers 9.9 (63) Box Hill 9.13 (67)
Troy Simmons lifted his work rate in the final term and slotted through two majors to put the Burgers in a winning position. All was looking good for the Burgers ahead by a point with only a minute remaining. However then the inevitable happened; with Sam Iles from the Hawks marking 45 meters out. He slotted the goal causing heartbreak for the Burgers players and their supporters. The loss now makes it very difficult for the boys to make the finals, with each match remaining needing to be won. It starts on Saturday as the Burgers take on the winless Bombers at ABD Group stadium starting at 2pm.
Coburg Tigers 3.6 4.8 9.9 14.11 (95)
Box Hill Hawks 1.2 6.9 9.13 14.16 (100)
Goal Kickers: T. Simmonds 3, B. Clifton 3, J. Bowden 2, N. Liddle 2, A. Gilligan, G. Polak, D. Rayson, A. Horne
Best Players: J. Bowden, T. Clarke, M. Coughlan, B. Clifton, G. Polak, S. Tuck
RESERVES The Coburg reserves had their work cut out for them this week up against top placed Box Hill. After an even first term the Hawks shot out to a six goal lead at half time and the Burgers never got back in the game, and only managed two majors after quarter time. Lachlan McQuilken and Tom Groves played their best games for the year, while captain Rhett Jordan was again dominant. The boys still hold onto third spot on the ladder.
Coburg Tigers 3.3 3.3 4.4 5.4 (34)
Box Hill 2.1 9.3 9.7 13.12 (90)
Goal Kickers: J. Bassi, J. Hislop, R. Jordon, J. Oakley-Nicholls, N. Wood
Best Players: L. McQuilken, T. Groves, R. Jordon, J. Hislop, M. Ambrose, J. Kandilakis
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