SAINTS TOO GOOD FOR TIGERS
AUSSIE RULES:
It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but the Tigers aren’t giving up following a heartbreaking defeat.
In their round two Allied Pickfords Cup encounter against South Burnett, Toowoomba led from the start, including holding a 14-point advantage with eight minutes to play.
But a late surge from the visitors, including a last minute goal to Mitchell Francis, edged the Saints clear 9.9 (63) to 8.11 (59).
“We look for improvement every week and we got that, but to lead all game and go down in those circumstances is tough,” Tigers coach Michael O’Donoghue said.
“You look at those encouraging signs. We had different people playing their first game of senior footy in Toowoomba and a few making their senior debut.
“There were times where we lapsed though which cost us some quick goals, and in those last few minutes we couldn’t lock the ball down and hold on.”
In what proved to be a game of runs, the Tigers held the early running to lead by 21 at the first break, with the Saints fighting back to trail by just seven at the main change.
Toowoomba again found enough out of the sheds to take a 14-point lead with one quarter to play, something O’Donoghue praised of his side.
“We showed a lot of promise in the third quarter,” he said.
“I asked them to show a bit at half time, and all 22 listened. They all played the role they were asked.
“We’ve got plenty to work with and we’re positive of what we can achieve this season.”
Francis led all scorers with three majors for the Saints.
Goondinwindi maintained its imposing record at Riddles Oval, holding off a determined South Toowoomba outfit.
The Bombers defence stood up to start the contest, conceding just one goal to help them to a slender five-point lead at the first change, before the Hawks found their footing, booting five in the second to hold a 17-point advantage at half time.
South Toowoomba again fought back to trail by just two at the end of the third, however they will be left to rue just five behinds in the final term, which saw Goondiwindi prevail 8.15 (63) to 7.9 (51).
Angus Croft kicked three goals for the home side, while Gabe Robbie and Darby Edgeworth had a pair apiece for the visitors.
Coolaroo bounced back from a first-round loss to comfortably account for Warwick 9.9 (63) to 4.1 (25).
Samuel Copland kick four goals for the Roos as their defence completely suffocated the Redbacks’ forward line, restricting them to just five scoring shots.
TIGERS BOUNCE BACK HARD
In the senior women’s competition, the Tigers showed their opening round defeat was just a blip on the radar.
Toowoomba bounced back in style at Rockville Oval, putting South Burnett to the sword to the tune of 16.14 (110) to 0.0 (0).
Meg Pullinger was on song in the forward line, kicking five goals, with Lauren Jericho, Tracey Twidale and Carlee Mesken contributing with doubles.
South Toowoomba maintained its perfect start to the season, making light work of the Goondiwindi road trip.
The Bombers came out on top with a 11.12 (78) to 2.0 (12) defeat of the Hawks to keep them on top of the ladder.
sean.teuma@thechronicle.com.au