Tigers adapt for timely win

Railways produced a plucky performance in wet and muddy conditions to overcome Mt Barker by 28 points at Sounness Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Tigers adapted to the tough conditions the better of the two and ground their way to a 13.12 (90) to 9.8 (62) win ahead of a rematch with the Bulls in this weekend’s first semifinal.

After an even first half in which both sides made the most of a steady breeze, it was a decisive third quarter from the Tigers that broke the game open.

Three quick goals to start the term through Nic Cramer and Dylan Schorer gave the Tigers the advantage before Tom Wolfe was the beneficiary of three 50m penalties and slotted two late goals to leave the Tigers with a 26-point buffer at the final change.

Another fast start to the final term resulted in three more goals to the Tigers as the lead ballooned to 46 points before the Bulls brought some respectability to the scoreboard with three late goals.

Tigers midfielders Zane Marwick and Joel Want stood up in the wet while Jarrod Whittle and Bodhi Stubber were also crucial in the victory.

For the Bulls, Kym Monteath kicked four goals to sew up the Sean Plaisted medal, while full-back Adam Tissott got the better of Coen Marwick.

Tigers coach Craig Frost said he was pleased with how his side had adjusted to the conditions.

“The conditions probably suited us and we were able to cut their run off,” he said. “We had a good spread of goal kickers and we gave a real four-quarter effort so it’s a real boost to our confidence.”

Bulls coach Shane Thompson was disappointed with his side.

“It was a real slog-fest out there,” he said. “We couldn’t get any ball movement going in those conditions and we were poor in a few areas, in particular setting up around stoppages.

With Sounness Park in poor condition, Mt Barker and the GSFL have agreed to move this Sunday’s first semifinal to Centennial Stadium.