Tigers still buzzing in wake of dazzling win

TASSIE Tigers vice-captain Tim Deavin admits it took some time for the feeling to sink in, that the Tigers had secured a semi-finals spot after the greatest comeback in the Hockey One on home soil.

Tasmania trailed 5-1 late in the third quarter before roaring back off the back of a boisterous home crowd and a final quarter hat-trick to skipper Eddie Ockenden. Deavin was a mainstay in the Tigers maiden national title success in 2014 and says, while it’s difficult to compare Sunday’s fightback to that success, it was an incredibly proud moment on his illustrious hockey resume.

“It was an incredible fightback because it seemed as though we had lost, but the momentum in the game swung when they got a yellow card to Aaron Kleinschmidt,” Deavin reflected.

“We managed to score quickly and then we kept up the pressure and then another goal came, but to clinch it in the final minute was definitely one of the biggest deficits I have come back from in my almost fifteen-year career at this level.”

“Everyone was smiling and laughing and getting around each other in the rooms after the game.

“The feeling was great.” Victory secured an away semi final spot for the Tigers against either Brisbane Blaze or NSW Pride, with the final round of matches seeing them tackle the sixth-placed Perth Thundersticks in Hobart this Saturday. “Already qualifying does not change our perspective or preparation for Perth, because we need to keep improving if we want to come close to winning the title.”

“We want to go into the semis on a high and to put some fear into our opponents and while we could play either Brisbane or NSW, I would prefer to play NSW.”

“It’s important that we secure third position this weekend, because we match up well against them and should have beaten them last match.”

Deavin noted that selection would be tough for future matches, with all 20 athletes being exposed to Hockey One action.

“I’m glad I don’t have to make the final tough decisions but it’s really healthy to have so many young and new players to the group in great form,” he said.

The Tassie Tigers women face the fifth-placed Perth Thundersticks from 2pm, with the men in action from 3.30pm at the Tasmanian Hockey Centre on Saturday.