Tigers get one back prior to finals series
‘‘ WE’RE TRYING TO GET OUR GIRLS TO PLAY THE BEST FOOTY THEY CAN AT THIS TIME OF THE SEASON.
NEVILLE JERICHO
AUSSIE RULES: We’re still here.
That’s the message sent by the Toowoomba Tigers in the senior women’s competition after the reigning four-time champions returned to their best against University at the weekend.
While they can’t overtake the Cougars on the ladder before the conclusion of the regular season, the Tigers were able to gain a slight mental edge heading into the post-season, with a 10.10 (70) to 5.12 (42) victory.
“It was a good one to get, the girls enjoyed it,” coach Neville Jericho said.
“We’re trying to get our girls to play the best footy they can at this time of the season.
“Uni was struggling with numbers and had a few players out with injury, while we’re almost the opposite with getting a few back. We’re getting good numbers for this time of the year.”
With weekly changes and new personnel coming on board, Jericho said developing team chemistry was vital just weeks out from the finals.
“The experience of getting them playing together is vital. We’ve picked up another two or three (players) in the past three weeks,” he said.
“It’s great to see the camaraderie and enjoyment of watching them play. They were pretty excited about the outcome.”
One of the new faces in the side on Saturday was Tracey Twidale, who played out the Queensland Basketball League season with the Toowoomba Mountaineers.
Jericho said the cross-code talent handled the switch to the Sherrin with aplomb.
“Tracey made her club debut and she started off really well,” he said.
“It will be interesting to see her development.
“There’s always been a strong connection between the club and the Mountaineers. Last year we had Vanessa Weber and Elise Craig play and they were fantastic.”
Meg Pullinger and Tegan Djanghara-Cooper both led the way with four goals.
The other women’s fixture saw South Toowoomba continue its charge towards the finals.
The Bombers beat South Burnett 11.10 (76) to 0.1 (1) with Chloe Crothers and Morgan Prior each booting four majors.
HIGHFIELDS LOCKS IN FINALS SPOT
Highfields ensured it would play top-flight finals football for the first time this decade after defeating Toowoomba 19.18 (132) to 1.4 (10).
The Lions were in full control at Rockville Oval, as they kept their slim hopes for a topthree berth alive.
Warwick also locked in a finals spot courtesy of a big 21.16 (142) to 5.5 (35) victory over Chinchilla.
Currently the Redbacks sit in third spot, and unless University can defeat the Suns by a whopping 386 points or Highfields wins in Goondiwindi, they will hang onto that spot.
South Toowoomba was allbut eliminated from the finals race after going down to Goondiwindi 14.11 (95) to 6.4 (40).
The Bombers need to beat Coolaroo and hope that Chinchilla can cause the upset of the season against University in order to play finals football.
In the process, the Hawks wrapped up the minor premiership. Full scoreboard and ladders from the Allied Pickfords Cup and senior women’s competition appear on page 27