Back to Back Club Championships – Round 15 review!

The Tigers Club have completed a successful season thus far.

All competitions involved in the Club Championships have been completed with the Club taking out the title for the second successive year. Queanbeyan managed to take the title on Saturday with wins in the Tigerettes 1st Grade match against Ainslie and in Men’s Reserve Grade against the same club.

Women’s Program Success

Tigerettes Reserve Grade

The success of the Tigers Women’s program is highlighted this week with the 2nd semifinal win by the Tigerettes Reserve Grade side over Riverina advancing them into the Regional Grand Final to be held on Saturday 31 August at Allinsure Park.

The Tigerettes overpowered the might of the Riverina Lions last Saturday in the clash played at Cootamundra. Their first half of footy proved the difference, the Tigerettes posting 5.2 to the Lions 2.0 and then holding on until the final siren taking the match by 13 points.

Congratulations to all involved on making the Grand Final including those volunteers who traveled to assist with team management and to the supporters who made the journey to Cootamundra.

Semi Final 1

3.2-20

5.3-33

Riverina Lions

Goal Kickers: K. Jackson 2, C. Borella – Wade Best Players: K. Crompton, K. Dacey, T. Maurer, B. Georgina, B. Brustolin, A. Lucas

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: S. Dal Santo 3, L. Watson, S. Close Best Players: M. Hurley, S. Close, S. Dal Santo, K. Pye, J. Williams, K. Turner

Tigerettes 1st Grade

The Tigerettes 1st Grade have taken the Minor Premiership with an overwhelming win against Ainslie at Allinsure Park. They needed to bounce back after suffering their first loss of the season the week before. That they did with a 17.9 (111) to 1.2 (8) score line. It was a powerhouse effort and now the focus will be on next Saturdays 2nd Semi Final clash against Belconnen to be played at Alan Ray Oval – Ainslie at 3.45pm.

17.9-111

1.2-8

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: J. Parry 6, K. Dobing 5, J. Stramandinoli 3, T. Evans 2, C. Res Best Players: E. Ross, C. Res, K. Dobing, J. Stramandinoli, T. Evans, K. Woodward

Tigers Men’s Reserve Grade

An impressive performance by the Men’s Reserve Grade last Saturday with a strong win over Ainslie. After successive losses the Tigers played inspired footy and led all the way to take the points over a highly competitive Ainslie combination. The game was played with enthusiasm and determination by both teams in a high standard contest.

It was finals like game.

Ironically, their next encounter “will” be a finals game – an elimination final in fact with the same two teams battling it out at the same venue – Allinsure Park – next Sunday at 11.20am.

Such is the closeness of the competition between all four teams in the finals – Belconnen, Eastlake, Queanbeyan and Ainslie – just two games separated the top four with the Tigers finishing one game away from being in top spot with the advantage of a stronger percentage had that been required.

Next Sundays Elimination Final will be determined by which club can cover a multitude of injuries that occurred in their respective grades last weekend.

9.5-59

5.3-33

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: W. Derksen 3, J. Carroll-Tape, O. Hicks, H. McKenzie, D. Ross, M. Lawrence, P. Slater Best Players: J. Galloway, J. Taylor, D. Ross, P. Slater, T. Shea, A. Godfrey

Ainslie Tricolours

Goal Kickers: W. Spencer, L. McKeough, A. Ireland, J. Martin, N. Beaumont Best Players: J. Costigan, L. Morfoot, F. Hawkins, H. Richardson, S. Groenewegen, N. Cameron Neser

Tigers Men’s 1st Grade

If the loss against Belconnen the week before was disappointing last Saturdays match was even more so. Against the Magpies, Queanbeyan led for most of the game losing in the final few minutes.

Against Ainslie (except for the 1st quarter) they were never in the hunt and by games end had succumbed by embarrassing 59 points.

In front of a large contingent of former premiership players from the 1989, 1999 and 2009 premiership teams, the Tigers lost their way early in the 2nd quarter and were never able to peg back a dominant Ainslie combination who are chasing their 4th consecutive 1st Grade Premiership.

In the Tigers defence they lost several players early through injury and couldn’t recover. The team finished with just 16 fit players on the paddock and the Ainslie combination took full advantage of a depleted Tigers combination.

Next Sundays Elimination Final against Eastlake at Allinsure Park is at 1.15pm

5.9-39

14.14-98

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: T. Clowry, M. Grocott, B. Fruend, J. Bryce, C. Lovell Best Players: M. Bernasconi, J. Bridger, T. Conroy, T. Collins, T. Clowry, C. Lovell

Ainslie Tricolours

Goal Kickers: J. Doering 5, H. Armstrong 4, A. Wiles, L. O”Neil, J. Cuzner, N. Foley, L. Carter Best Players: H. Armstrong, C. Bernasconi, D. Ledda, T. Powell, W. Beaumont, N. Foley

Disappointing Day at Allinsure Park

The Tigers Under 18 Grade Rising Stars provided the only highlight at Allinsure Park last Saturday winning their last match of the season albeit by a

point. They have the bye in the last round and will miss the finals. Having won three out of their last four matches, the youngsters have shown just what they can do given a relatively full team.

The Tigerettes 1st Grade team suffered their first loss of the season going down to Belconnen while in the other two grades played at Allinsure Park both the Men’s 1st and Reserve Grade teams lost to Magpies ending any hope of finishing in the top two of either grade. The Tigerettes Reserve Grade finished off their season with a comprehensive win over the Tuggeranong Hawks at Greenway and now look forward to their second semi final clash next Saturday against Riverina Lions in Wagga.

Under 18 Grade Rising Stars

On a cold and windy winters day, the Tigers Rising Stars managed to hang on in the final term in what was a dour struggle to the final siren. Belconnen having all the ascendancy during the latter part of the match.

Queanbeyan had the advantage of a slight wind in the opening term, but inaccuracy cost them dearly as they posted 2.6 to 1 goal by the Magpies. As they game progressed so did the wind and by the final term, there was quite an advantage to the club end.

Overnight rain and snow had made for slippery conditions, but this did not discourage the effort by both teams as they battled the weather to provide an enthralling contest.

The Tigers prevailed by just one point and although their season is over, they can look forward to 2020 with confidence with a strong off season.

In terms of players advancing into the senior ranks, once again the Club is blessed with any number proving they are capable of player in the higher grades. This season has already seen the likes of Jack Manners, Hayden Hunter, Alex Salmond, Josh Fahey, Sam Frost, Harry Grant and Lachie Squire play senior grade football. Grant and Squire playing mostly NEAFL and being recognised as two Rising Star nominations for the GWS GIANTS NEAFL team.

Thanks, is extended to all the volunteers that assisted this team throughout the season. Special mention to the Coaching panel of Chris Clifton (Coach) and Assistants Kenny Sissons, Andrew Harvey, Michael Robinson and Kane Cawse.

3.12-30

3.11-29

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: B. Rauter, W. Derksen, J. Armstrong Best Players: B. Rauter, W. Derksen, J. Gilbert, M. Taylor, B. Purdon, R. Thompson

Tigerettes Reserve Grade

The Tigerettes Reserve Grade completed their season with a win over Tuggeranong Hawks at Greenway Oval on Saturday. With snow covering the hills close bye, the Tigerettes were far too strong for their inexperienced opponents posting a 66-point win.

This completes the competition proper for the Regional Competition. The Tigerettes, who have lost just one match for the season now take on the might of the Riverina Lions next Saturday in Wagga.

0.0-0

9.12-66

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: M. Margosis 4, S. Dal Santo 2, S. Close, K. Reid, J. Shea Best Players: S. Close, M. Hurley, M. Margosis, C. Hamilton, K. Reid, A. Kolano

Tigers Men’s Reserve Grade

In a disappointing result for the Club, the Tigers Reserve Grade Men’s team boasting many quality senior grade players were well defeated by the Belconnen Magpies. A spot in the top two was up for grabs, but it wasn’t to be as they struggled to contend with the conditions and the enthusiasm of their opponents.

The Tigers had many players returning to the team including that of seasoned first grader Matt Bernasconi who broke an arm earlier in the season. However, for the second week in a row they lacked manpower up forward and have now posted just seven goals in their last two outings.

Having held top spot just two weeks ago, they are now destined to finish third with the only positive being a possible home final at this stage with just one round remaining.

2.5-17

6.8-44

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: A. Bowyer, S. Lancaster Best Players: L. Thompson, H. McKenzie, B. Greenwood, M. Price, W. Morshead, A. Bowyer

Tigerettes 1st Grade

Take away the likes of Stramandinoli, Dunn, Res, Tisma, Hamilton and Parry – and the team fell well short of expectations even though the replacement Tigerettes gave everything in what would be a hard contested match at Allinsure Park.

As with most games played late in the day, cold conditions began to return to the ground (that’s if it ever left) with Belconnen Magpies taking every advantage of the absentees of the Tigerettes.

A number of the above mentioned being absent due to trial matches with new teams which are to be included in the AFLW in the upcoming season. Full credit to the Pies though, their footy was hard and well structured and they will be a real threat for the flag in the coming weeks.

With one round remaining the Tigerettes need to regroup with hopefully all players available before the final’s series commencing over the weekend 24 / 25 August.

3.2-20

8.9-57

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: L. Watson 2, M. Godfrey Best Players: E. Ross, T. Evans, A. Dwyer, G. Stephinson, A. Tupper, C. Taylor

Tigers Men’s 1st Grade

The real disappointed of the day was the loss by the Men’s 1st Grade. Having led for most of the game and looking the goods well into the last term, they were not able to prevent a sustained attack by the Magpies in the final five minutes.

The loss leaves the Tigers lamenting what could have been!!!

A win would have made for a blockbuster next Saturday against Ainslie with a spot in the top two and a second chance come finals the following week. As it is, the Tigers have finished for the fifth season in a row in third position and although this enables a home final – preference would have been to play for a spot in the Grand Final during the first week of finals.

In saying that, the Tigers have progressed in 2015 and 2016 to Grand Finals from third position taking out the Premiership in 2015 when defeating a then undefeated Belconnen Magpies team.

8.10-58

9.14-68

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: B. Fruend 2, M. Grocott 2, J. Bryce, A. Page, J. Cutts, Z. Derksen Best Players: J. Taylor, Z. Derksen, J. Bowyer, T. Conroy, J. Bryce, C. Lovell

Next Weekend

A huge gathering of former Premiership players from the 1989 1st and Reserve Grade teams, the 1999 1st Grade Premiership team and the 2009 Reserve Grade team along with family members of players from the 1939 first ever 1st Grade Premiership team will embark on Allinsure Park next Saturday to witness old enemies Ainslie and the Tigers play in three grades from 10.00am.

It should be a fantastic gathering of past and present day players in attendance at the ground with the majority expected to attend the Tigers 100 Club gathering that evening at which two new members will be inducted as Full Members of the prestigious club being Andrew Swan and Paul Slater both of whom played their 100 1st Grade game during this season.

Many former players are traveling from interstate to attend what will be a special day for the Tigers Club. Players from the 1989 era will be gathering at the Top Pub from 6pm on the Friday night with all welcome to attend in particular those from the 1999 1st Grade Premiership – some of whom doubled up with premiership medallions from the 89 and 99 years.

Game Day Time Changes

Thanks to the co-operation of the Ainslie Football Club – All games next Saturday have been bought forward one hour with the following times for the three grades:

10.20am               Men’s Reserve Grade

12.15pm               Men’s 1st Grade

2.45Pm                 Tigerettes 1st Grade

Solid performances for all grades!

A one-point win to the Eastlake Reserve Grade team was the only game lost over the weekend from 5 matches. The Tigers were successful in Men’s and

Women’s 1st Grade over Eastlake. The same for the Rising Stars Under 18 Grade with a three-point win over the Demons – all games played at Football Park. At Allinsure Park, the Tigerettes Reserve Grade easily accounted for Belconnen Magpies on Saturday morning.

Tigers Men’s 1st Grade

On a cold but relatively calm Friday night, the Tigers Men’s 1st Grade completely overwhelmed their opponents to record a convincing 62-point win at Football Park.  It was possibly the best game the Tigers have produced in several years and with exception of the first ten minutes of the 1st Quarter, they were outstanding for the full game. There were very few players if any who didn’t contribute to a significant victory.   It was a hard-fought tough contest with both teams playing strongly, but it was the Tigers defence that withstood a constant barrage of attacking moves particularly in the first half of footy.

Matthew Grocott’s dominance up forward resulted in five goals as he played havoc with his opponents. Christian Palombi was fantastic throughout as was the work load of Jeremy Bridger who battles every week against much taller and stronger opponents in the ruck but his maturity in this position since joining the club is to be commended.  Alex Page was another who was lively around the ground particularly around the forward line. His two goals were gems. Lachie Highfield was exceptional as was Dean Simpson until leaving the field early in the third term with a concerning leg injury.

Tim Clowry had a role to play and he did that to perfection. The late withdrawal of Jack Carroll-Tape allowed Tim Shea to return to the team and he didn’t disappoint. Liam Greenwell was a class act in the backline as was Ryan Worn at fullback often sending the Tigers into attack. Brandon Lagana and Jed Simpson played strongly throughout.

The win now places enormous emphasis on the final two games of the season – both being played at Allinsure Park – (against Belconnen and Ainslie)

– all three clubs vying for a top two finish.

6.11-47

16.13-109

Eastlake Demons

Goal Kickers: C. O”Rourke, S. De Sousa, P. Cole, D. Biermann, A. Wilson, B. McGinness Best Players: P. Cole, B. McGinness, M. Beaumont, J. Hancock, A. Wilson, S. Darcy

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: M. Grocott 5, A. Page 2, L. Highfield 2, J. Cutts 2, B. Fruend, T. Collins, T. Shea, T. Conroy, C. Palombi

Best Players: J. Bridger, L. Greenwell, M. Grocott, C. Palombi, B. Lagana, J. Simpson

Tigers Men’s Reserve Grade

In a low scoring match the Tigers Reserve Grade Men’s team fell one point short of retaining top place on the competition ladder. Remarkably after being down by three goals at half time, they powered their way back into the match holding a slender lead in the last term only for Eastlake to post two late points to take the match.

What’s remarkable is the fact that those two scoring shots by Eastlake were the only scoring shots for them in the last half of footy after the Tigers had dominated proceeding with 23 excursions into their forward fifty to just seven by the Demons.

Bailey Greenwood was again outstanding along with Aiden Bowyer and Alex Godfrey who is finding some form after an extended early season holiday.  Wilson Morshead was equally impressive while Grant Worner was strong in defence. Costly concussions to Tom Flight and Jordan Gay in the final quarter emphasized the hardness of the game and how close the two teams are matched. Their first-round encounter resulted in a Tigers win in one of the lowest scoring games of the season – 3.7 (25) to 2.8 (20).

The Tigers have must win matches in the final two games of the season if they are to finish in a top two position – they play Belconnen and Ainslie, meeting the Magpies this Saturday at Allinsure Park.

5.6-36

5.5-35

Eastlake Demons

Goal Kickers: M. Peterson 2, A. Watt, M. Kendrick, P. Sharp Best Players: E. Rosin, R. Goodall, J. Williams, J. Crowe, J. Cunningham

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: B. Greenwood 2, M. Lawrence, S. Lancaster, J. Gay Best Players: B. Greenwood, A. Bowyer, A. Godfrey, H. McKenzie, W. Morshead, M. Price

Under 18 Grade Rising Stars

The Rising Stars caused the upset of the weekend with a three-point victory over Eastlake in the early match at Football Park last Saturday. With several inclusions in the team, they were able to match it with their more fancied opponents.

It was a tough encounter throughout and full credit to both teams for playing in the manner they did. It was a low scoring match in freezing conditions which hampered the talent on display to show their undoubted abilities. However, is was an enthralling encounter. Only 9 points separated the teams at the final break after the Tigers had posted 1.6 during the third term.

The Demons peppered their goal in the final quarter, but it was their turn to be inaccurate posting 1.6 to the Tigers solitary goal.

Sam Robinson played his best game for the year and he along with Ben Thurling, Nick Coghill and Wayde Derksen were standout performers in an overall team effort.

3.11-29

4.8-32

Eastlake Demons

Goal Kickers: J. Geerdink, A. Jones, T. Kennealy Best Players: L. Thompson, R. Hosking, T. Kennealy, B. O”Dea, J. Edwards, L. Muir

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: B. Thurling, W. Derksen, S. Robinson, N. Coghill Best Players: S. Robinson, B. Thurling, W. Derksen, J. Gilbert, S. Frost, J. Fahey

Tigerettes 1st Grade

The Tigerettes had their hardest game for the year in near perfect conditions in the afternoon game at Football Park on Saturday.

Up against second placed and reigning Premiers Eastlake Demons, it took until the last quarter to finally outplay a tough opposition and eventually post a comprehensive victory. At three quarter time the scores were level and an upset were on the cards, but thankfully there was a dramatic lift. The Tigerettes posting six unanswered goals in the last term.

Jackie Parry continued her excellent form up forward kicking 8 goals. Jade Hamilton took control in the last half dominating her opponents with a polished display. Tarni Evans gave a solid all-round performance along with Megan Godfrey whose experience provided the lift required in the last quarter to take charge of the game. Cass Taylor, Ella Ross and Georgia Stephinson also deserve mention.

Another huge game this Saturday up against the now second placed Belconnen Magpies who have been slowly improving throughout the season.

4.8-32

11.4-70

Eastlake Demons

Goal Kickers: C. Stuart, M. McLaughlin, R. Prince, K. Wheaton Best Players: M. Johnson, J. Allan, C. Gordon, C. Brown, K. Brewer, S. Ajani

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: J. Parry 8, J. Hamilton, A. Hamilton, M. Czubara Best Players: J. Parry, K. Woodward, J. Hamilton, T. Evans, A. Hamilton, E. Ross

Tigerettes Reserve Grade

A solid opening quarter posting 5 goals paved the way for a comprehensive win over the Belconnen Magpies on Saturday morning at Allinsure Park.  In very cold conditions, the Tigerettes quickly adapted to the conditions outclassing their opponents with a polished display of teamwork to win by 79 points.

It was a welcome return to the field for Teena Campbell after spending most of the season overseas. Teena ran amok posting 4 goals and being adjudged best on ground for her efforts.

It was great to have former Tigers player Joe Kolano in attendance to watch his daughter Alanna in the black and gold. Joe having played in the seventies with the Tigers in an era of great hardship but when many friendships were made and still exist within the Tiger ranks. Best of all, Alanna was among the best for the Tigerettes.

Welcome back also to Bec Brown and she along with many others deserve a mention for the manner in which the Tigerettes played last Saturday. They include Morgan Margosis, Kate Reid, Hannah Verris and Kristen Turner.

12.9-81

0.2-2

Queanbeyan Tigers

Goal Kickers: T. Campbell 4, M. Margosis 3, J. Shea 2, J. Bardsley, C. Moncrieff, K. Reid Best Players: T. Campbell, A. Kolano, K. Reid, H. Verri, M. Margosis, K. Turner

Belconnen Magpies

Best Players: A. Lascu, G. Bye, K. Croker, I. Reid, C. Fawns, A. Thomson