THE Grafton Tigers winning streak came to an end on muddy Fitzroy Oval in Coffs Harbour on Saturday.
The under-manned Tigers paid the penalty for a poor third quarter and despite a brilliant five-goal fourth period were unable to edge ahead with the Coffs Harbour Swans running out 13.17 (95) to 11.10 (76) winners.
The game between first and second-placed teams on the North Coast AFL ladder was billed as the match of the year, with both sides coming into the game after victories last week and in good form.
Grafton entered the game without key players Grahame Connolley, Josh Sheather, Dale Beaver and Tim Whalan but still started the match as favourites.
Both teams struggled early on to find their feet in the muddy and slippery conditions.
The Swans kept the football inside Grafton's defensive 50 for the first 10 minutes of the match but scored just one goal before the Tigers lifted to finish strongly with majors to lead by 12 at the first break.
In the second quarter the Swans used their home-ground advantage and kept the ball to the dry areas of the field to find easy metres for their waiting forward line.
Grafton forwards Evan Dureya and Dan Zacek where tagged heavily during the match which shut down opportunities provided by the Tigers midfield.
The Swans' defensive tactics ensured they remained in front at the main break.
The Swans started the third quarter strongly, finding space around the middle and forcing Grafton's defensive line to work overtime.
Jackson Wright, Justin Darby, Will Darby and Ryan Sheather were tireless in defence as they fought hard to repel the constant attack which still resulted in a seven-goal haul for the Swans to see them lead at the final break by 36.
Starting the final quarter, the Tigers dug deep and finally found their stride and applied the pressure back on a tired Swans team with Ron Davis again finding plenty of possession in the midfield and helping forwards Dureya, Zacek, and Shawn Purton to kick five goals to close the gap.
With 10 minutes remaining, the Tigers were within reach and both sides fought hard in the closing stages but it was the Swans who finished off the stronger, landing two late goals to cement victory.
Despite the loss, Tigers coach Adi Campbell was not all that disappointed.
“The boys fought hard to the end and didn't give up,” he said.
“We were missing some guys in the middle and that hurt us in the end but I know there is still improvement to come from this team.”
Despite the loss, Grafton remains atop the points ladder with Coffs Swans second.
Port Macquarie Magpies, who the Tigers will tackle in their next match on June 18 in Macksville, are third.
In the reserves match, an undermanned Grafton battled hard to stay in the game after going goalless for the first half of the match.
The Swans dominated possession and led 47-1 at half-time.
If not for the heroics of Luke Butler and Kye Denton in the backline the scoreline would have been uglier.
However, the Tigers regrouped in the second half and came back strongly to match the Swans.
New recruits Andrew and Josh Lollback found plenty of possession and played beyond their experience in the losing side.
In what was at times a spiteful clash, one Swans player was sent off for striking Grafton captain coach Rick Hayman, but the Swans were too strong in the end and ran out winners by 45.
Scores
First grade
Final score: Coffs Swans 13.17 (95), Grafton Tigers: 11.10 (76) Best players for Grafton were Ron Davis, Justin Darby, Ryan Sheather, Jackson Wright and William Darby.
Best players for Coffs Swans were Shane McGrath, Randy Biggs, Tristan Snow, Jarred Burrow and Peter Robinson.
Reserves
Final score: Coffs Swans: 12.8 (80) defeating Grafton Tigers: 5.5 (35)Best players for Grafton were Kye Denton, Andrew Lollback, Luke Butler and Josh Lollback.
Last Modified on 06/06/2011 08:23