The Rococo Noosa Tigers have won their second straight QAFL game within a week with a grinding two-goal victory against Wilston Grange in Brisbane on Good Friday.
After a pretty flat opening by the Tigers which saw the home side dominate the opening stanza, in particular former Brisbane lion Matt Eagles up forward, the Noosa boys were able to gain back momentum during the second quarter where the game became an absolute arm wrestle.
In pretty windy conditions both teams pressed forward with the scoreboard within a goal or twos’ width the entire day. The game-changer come in the later half of the third quarter when Grange captain Matt Eagles suffered an accidental concussion in a tackling contest and played no further part in the game. His presence had been prominent around the ground but particularly up forward where he had kicked three goals to that point.
Champion state league on baller Matty Payne also showed the big Good Friday crowd his terrific array of skills and footy smarts.
But in the end the Tigers just went for longer and were still pushing forward late.
Key defender Riley Buntain was simply outstanding. His spoiling in pressure situations was a constant as well as continually mopping up or starting attacking play from defence. He really is having a stellar start to season 2022.
Seb Rogers was fantastic for the Tigers and popped up all over the ground with his hardness and courage at the footy. Josh Wallis in the middle was super impressive, again racking up heaps of the footy, while skipper Laskey was a strong constant over the four quarters.
Jai Fitzpatrick, Tom Baulch (three goals) and young Mav Pettigrove gathered vital last quarter touches in the victory in front of an extremely happy and vocal Noosa crowd.
A big congrats to colts’ skipper Jesh Morgan on playing his debut for the seniors. His attack on the footy certainly did not look out of place at this level.
The reserves had a terrific win with Harry Lagaste dominating with five goals whilst the colts went down by 10 points after leading for most of the day.
A massive Anzac round approaches this Saturday as all four senior grades play at our treasured Ricoco oval. Our three senior men’s teams will be up against arch rivals Maroochydore with our senior women opening their 2022 campaign against Alexandra Hills. Game times are as follows:
-9.30am Colts
-11.30am Reserves
-2pmSeniors
-4.45pmSenior Women’s
We have an Anzac service from 1.40pm with the day also coinciding with our annual sponsors day. A massive thank you to all our amazing sponsors.
Our youth teams begin their 2022 seasons this weekend with the opening round fixture now ready for perusal.
We have live entertainment from 5pm and the Heads of Noosa brewery bar will be in full gear on the lawn. Simply a day not to be missed!
Media votes for Wilston Grange:
5. Riley Buntain.
4. Seb Rodgers.
3. Aaron Laskey.
2. Josh Wallis.
1. Jai Fitzpatrick.
Tiger TV will be back livestreaming the big clash this week and check out our social media networks for all that’s happening at Tigerland.
See you at the footy.
Go Tigers.
