The Jacaranda Hotel Grafton Tigers AFL club have had their first hit out for the year hosting the Summerland league premiers from 2011 , the Lismore Swans at JJ Lawrence oval on Saturday 31st March, as expected, it was a very close affair between the two 2011 premiership winning sides with the game going right down to the final seconds of the match.
However, it was the Grafton Tigers who came away victors by 9 points with a 2 final goals late in the game to lock in the win.
The Tigers took some time to find their feet in the first quarter of the match, some scrappy football by both sides seemed to suit the Lismore side better and Grafton quickly found themselves on the wrong side of the scorers at the first break, trailing the Swans by 7.
1st Quarter scores:
Grafton 2.3. 15 - Lismore 3.4. 22
Grafton were able to recover and make better use of the footy in the second term, combining well in the midfield off the hands of ruckman Dan Gordon, however, the Tigers missed some opportunities in front of goal but were still able to get their nose in front at the half time siren to lead Lismore to the break by 2.
Half Time scores:
Grafton 5.8. 38 - Lismore 5.6. 36
Coach Adi Campbell's half time talk must have fired up Grafton who started the third term with renewed vigour, keeping the football in Lismore's defensive half for most of the quarter, some inspirational football by Scott Onus and fill-in captain Justin Darby appeared to spur the Tigers on, and allowed the brothers of Ben and Chris Holder to combine well to make the most of their opportunities in the forward line, although the Swans were able to score 2 goals late in the term, it was Grafton who looked in control at the final change to extend their lead to 13.
3rd Quarter scores:
Grafton 10.10. 70 - Lismore 8.9. 57
With the heat starting to take its toll in the last quarter, it was Lismore who started strongly, quickly closing the deficit with 2 quick goals in as many minutes to get themselves back into the game, what followed was a titanic struggle between two very evenly matched teams, and with 4 minutes left on the clock, the Tigers were behind by 5, two missed attempts at goal resulting in behinds added some late drama with Lismore desperately trying to hold off the Tigers, but some great combining by half back Kelly Thompson with midfielders Tim Whalan and Sean Duroux, Grafton were able to get the ball forward for 2 late goals allowing them to finish 9 points clear at the final siren.
Final scores were:
Grafton Tigers - 13.13. 91 defeating Lismore Swans - 12.10. 82.
Goal scorers for Grafton: Chris Holder, Sean Duroux -3, Ben Holder, Scott Onus - 2, Kelly Thompson, Tim Whalan, Ronald Davis goals.
Best for Grafton were: Scott Onus, Kelly Thompson, Tim Whalan, Dan Gordon, Sean Duroux and Chris Holder.
Although the Tigers were without some key players, including their captain Dan Zacek for the match ,coach Adi Campbell was pleased with his sides performance in the game but feels there is still plenty for Grafton to work on in the coming weeks before their round 1 clash against the Sawtell Saints at Ellem Oval on April 21.
Last Modified on 01/07/2012 15:41