The Tigers played better as a Unit in Round 2 and ran out convincing winners in both Grades.
In 1sts it was 13-12-90 to 8-7-55, whilst Ressies won 13-16-94 to 2-3-15.
1st Grade was an entertaining game all day, After a close 1st half, Norths got on top to lead by 26 pts at the final change before the Demons hit back to get within 10 pts in the last quarter. However, Norths steadied and kicked the last 4 goals of the game.
Tim Bignell (3 goals) was a welcome inclusion, getting better as the game went on to be amongst the best players. Troy (Doggy) Cole (5 goals in total) lit up early with a few majors but the Albatross defence clamped down and we had to find other avenues to goal. Funky provided one of those – his 50m stunner from the boundary in Q3 was a highlight. So too was the all-game running display by Jack O'Donohue, Greg Mathieson and Nick Pugh. Evergreen marvel Josh McLarnen was more than handy down back assisting a disciplined Matt Warth who handled the full-back post with aplomb.
Ben Smede toiled honestly, ditto Steve (Geasy) Grierson, Alex Parro, Andrew Shepherd, Arron Walker, Cameron Fraser and the two Shanes : Farrelley and Younger. Ben Forsyth took a couple of ripper marks in a very determined showing and Peter Miller also put his body on the line for the Tigers and landed a vital goal. Youngsters Lachlan McPherson and Travis Marshall were solid.
Overall, it was a pleasing performance, the combination obviously gelled more than game 1, and there is optimism within the group. This win was not only a confidence booster but keeps us in touch with the top 4.
Reserve Grade was not the prettiest game of football but an excellent outcome for Norths – victory by 79 pts.
Derek Langhorn ( 7 goals) was the star up front and Craig Clunas was the hero down back - he was virtually impassable all game. In the mid-field it was Sam Alger and Mitch Francis (1st game for Tigers) who dominated.
Nick Taylor was scratchy in the first half but really had a presence after that, ripping out many clearances and even grabbed a few marks. Ben Paulson was in the same category, rusty but with plenty of upside.
After 4 goals in Round 1, Tangles couldn't buy a major, but he and Wazza provided good options which helped make room for Derek. Dick and Chook (2 goals) did what Dick and Chook always do – give it all; and fresh-men such as Jake Mccartney, Josh Leonard and Rohan Heycott had good moments. Nathan O'Dea (good game) bagged a couple of goals whilst Brad Hanlen repeated his single effort from the previous week.
The result was never in doubt –Tigers led by 23, 21 and 56 at the three breaks.
Hollymount Park is again the venue this week (5 May) for the big games against Wollongong Bulldogs (Ressies and 1sts) ; and Kiama (Under 18's). The action starts at 10:20a.m.
Everyone is encouraged to come along to support our two Senior Grades as they attempt to get on the board in 2012, and remember ALL are welcome at the Tigers.
