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Traveling to the Alan Ray Oval (Ainslie’s home ground) – the reigning Premiers in Men’s 1st, Reserve and Under 18 Grades is never easy, in fact, it can
be quite daunting. As was the case last Saturday.
Four grades of footy were played with the visitors winning three – the undermanned Under 18 Grade Rising Stars unfortunately being defeated in the opening game of the day.
Men’s 1st Grade
Several forced changes to the Tigers 1st Grade Men’s team had a flow-on effect down through the grades. But no-one told the playing group in either the 1st or Reserve grade teams. Out injured from the 1st Grade match against Belconnen would be Alec McCormick, Brandon Lagana, Ollie Hicks and Anthony Lopilato. On the eve of the game Harry Grant – (named to play his first 1st Grade match for the Tigers) – was called into the GWS GIANTS NEAFL team.
Tyler Collins and Matt Bernasconi returned from injury with Jason Taylor and Jed Simpson both elevated after brief stints in the Reserves. (Unfortunately, Matt Bernasconi broke his arm and dislocated a shoulder in the opening term and may miss the remainder of the season).
In warm conditions a rejuvenated Tigers combination were by far the more determined team on the day to defeat Ainslie on their home turf for the first time since 2015. On that occasion the Tigers stole the game in the final 30 seconds when Brett Fruend “stole” the footy from his opponent and snapped truly to win the game by a solitary point.
Prior to that the Tigers won by 47 points in 2012 – 17.12 (114) to 10.7 (67)
Wins at Ainslie Oval have been few and far between over the last decade but last Saturday the difference was a comprehensive 52 points – 17.10 (112) to 8.12 (60).
Youngster Lachie Squire was a standout with 4 impressive goals, two from the 50 metre ark at crucial stages of the game. Tim Clowry was at his best – also notching 4 goals with former Ainslie player Lachie Highfield and Matt Grocott both chiming in for a lazy 3 goals each. Down back, the Tigers standout defender this season has been Dean Simpson. He along with Jono Bowyer and Campbell Lovell were outstanding in what was a quality performance by the Tigers – particularly after the dismal showing against Belconnen in the last round.
8.12-60
17.10-112
Ainslie Tricolours
Goal Kickers: H. Delves 2, B. Jamieson 2, F. Hawkins, M. Ward, F. Dwyer, H. Phillips Best Players: M. Ackland, M. Teasdale, W. Beaumont, H. Delves, J. Taylor, J. Cuzner
Queanbeyan Tigers
Goal Kickers: T. Clowry 4, L. Squire 4, M. Grocott 3, L. Highfield 3, J. Bryce, J. Simpson, J. Taylor Best Players: L. Squire, D. Simpson, B. Greenwood, T. Conroy, T. Collins, J. Bowyer
Men’s Reserve Grade
There were multiple changes to the Tigers Reserve Grade side following their strong win against Belconnen in Round 5. Forced changes due to injuries
in the higher grade plus a few players being unavailable forced several players back from injury earlier than expected but they didn’t let the team down.
In what was the closest match of the day. The Tigers posted two late goals to seal a 1-point victory. The “clutch” of the situation being Tim Shea who continues to perform week in week out. His last goal of the day with only a minute remaining was a classic from outside fifty ably assisted by Ella Ross cheering from the other end of the field!!!
Returning after injury Aiden Bowyer, Harry Straker, Hugh McKenzie and Jackson Monck (playing his first game in three seasons) were all outstanding along with strong games from Justin Galloway and the ever-reliable Marcus Lawrence.
The Reserves now have a two-game break at the top of the ladder and given the circumstances and players “not” being available each week, this is quite remarkable. In coming weeks there are further players returning however and unfortunately a few will be taking a mid-season overseas break.
6.7-43
7.2-44
Ainslie Tricolours
Goal Kickers: T. Maddocks 3, L. Jamieson, L. Carter, H. Beaumont Best Players: L. Carter, J. Bishop, T. Maddocks, H. Muir, A. Mitchell, S. Sienkiewicz
Queanbeyan Tigers
Goal Kickers: J. Galloway 2, H. McKenzie, A. Bowyer, T. Shea, A. Jones, M. Lawrence Best Players: R. Worn, T. Shea, J. Galloway, M. Lawrence, H. McKenzie, H. Straker
Under 18 Grade Rising Stars
Once again, the Tigers very young combination of Under 18 Grade Rising Stars would feel the full brunt of players being elevated into higher grades or via the NSW / ACT RAMS team. Harry Grant (GIANTS NEAFL), Lachie Squire (1st Grade), Josh Fahey and Brad Rauter (NSW / ACT RAMS) and Ben Thurling (injured) were all missing.
However, the youngsters did themselves and the club proud as they battled through the match outscoring their opponents in the last term to make the score respectable. This team will certainly improve and will battle for 4th spot on the ladder. Sam Frost played a ripper match and he along with guest player Ben Ashley-Cooper were fantastic competitors throughout. Add the likes of Sam Robinson (until injured), Jarrod Foley, Hayden Hunter and Hugh Clark and the Tigers will have a strong outfit as the season unfolds.
10.12-72
5.4-34
Queanbeyan Tigers
Goal Kickers: H. Hunter 2, S. Frost, K. Loadsman, J. Manners Best Players: S. Frost, B. Ashley-Cooper, S. Robinson, J. Gilbert, J. Foley, H. Clark
Tigerettes 1st Grade
The Tigerettes 1st Grade maintained their unbeaten run and competition lead when they soundly defeated Ainslie in the final game of the day at Alan Ray Oval. From the outset, they were by far the stronger combination welcoming back Tarni Evans after a long stay on the sidelines with injury. The usual names come forward in a long list of best players including that of Res, Stramandinoli, Ross and Hamilton but it was pleasing to see youngster Ellen Squire playing consistent footy alongside the experienced Ruby Grounds. The Tigerettes were also missing a few names one of which returns in two weeks’ time, that being former Captain Hannah Dunn who has just completed a strong off season with Norwood in the SANFL Women’s Summer competition.
1.4-10
14.3-87
Queanbeyan Tigers
Goal Kickers: J. Stramandinoli 4, R. Grounds 3, E. Ross 2, E. Squire, M. Godfrey, T. Evans, A. Jakim, J. Hamilton Best Players: J. Hamilton, J. Stramandinoli, A. Hamilton, R. Grounds, E. Ross, C. Res
Tigerettes Reserve Grade
The Tigerettes Reserve Grade also won convincingly when playing Tuggeranong Hawks at Greenway Oval in the late game which started at 6pm.
Played under lights the Tigerettes dominated proceedings to from the outset to hold a commanding lead at half time and then went on with the match holding their opponents scoreless while posting 15.14 (104). That surname “Hamilton” keeps popping up, this time it was Chelsey posting 4 goals and being adjudged amongst the best on the day.
Veterans Kristen Turner, Lani Watson, Melissa Hurley and Susie Armistead are certainly showing this mainly youthful combination their many tricks of the trade they have gained during their playing careers with the club. Jill Shea showed that it isn’t just her brother with goal kicking skills posting 3 goals herself.
0.0-0
15.14-104
Queanbeyan Tigers
Goal Kickers: C. Hamilton 4, J. Shea 3, L. Watson 3, M. Hurley, M. Margosis, K. Svager, O. Straker, K. Henry Best Players: K. Turner, O. Straker, L. Watson, C. Hamilton, M. Hurley, S. Armistead
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