By Lachlan Onions
TANTANOOLA 9.10 (64) d KONGORONG 5.3 (33)
TANTANOOLA recorded its second consecutive win with a solid performance against Kongorong in Round 9 of Mid South Eastern football.
Tantanoola coach Jack Dawe was pleased with the progress his side has made this year as they notched up back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
“It has been really pleasing, we have improved this year, the boys are starting to play really well,” he said.
There was little between the two sides early on as both teams managed only one major in the opening quarter but the Tigers took a narrow 10-6 lead at the end of the term.
“In the first quarter we had our chances, we kicked the first three points – which should have been goals,” Dawe said.
“Then they were lucky enough to get a goal.
“All the play was down our end, it was just on us trying to capitalise on it.
“Then when everyone got tired, we were able to kick a few more goals and run away with it.”
The second quarter saw Tantanoola begin to score with more ease as they added three majors and kept the Hawks to just seven points to take a healthy 17-point lead at the main break.
However, Kongorong refused to die and kept itself in the hunt in the third quarter as it kicked three goals.
Despite the efforts in attack, the home side was unable to shrink the margin in the quarter as the Tigers scored three goals of their own and took a 20-point lead at the final break.
While, it was not impossible, the Hawks faced a hefty task to try and claw back an unlikely comeback in the final quarter.
The challenge was ultimately insurmountable as Tantanoola held the hosts to just two minor scores in the last quarter while it added two goals of its own to put the game on ice.
Liam English was best on ground with an impressive performance for the Tigers.
He was supported by Jordan and Troy Hatt, who both impressed, while Dawe was a force to be reckoned with as he booted four goals.
“The two Hatt boys have stepped up and played different positions and played really well.
“Braydn Reilly has been playing well rucking for us and just battling along.”
Lennox Lewis provided consolation for Kongorong as he also racked up four majors, while Corben O’Dea and Robert Hein were best on ground for the Hawks.
Kongorong Oval was not immune to the poor weather which swept across the South East on Saturday and Dawe said the conditions were challenging.
“By the time we started the game, there was just mud everywhere,” he said.
“It was the worst conditions I have played in in a fair few years.
“It was just muddy and sloppy.
“There was a pretty standard game plan for both teams really – just got to get the ball long.”
The Tigers have now moved up to sixth on the ladder with three wins from eight games, while the Hawks remain in eighth with just the one win under their belts.
