Port Lincoln football
Boston v Tasman, Saturday, Centenary Oval, 2.40pm
THE season long battle for a finals berth between the Boston Tigers and the Tasman Roosters is the game of the round this Saturday, with a chance to play in September well and truly on the line.
Bostons have won their last three games, defeating Souths, Marble Range then Waybacks, and would appear to have the momentum to make it four wins on end.
Tasmans this season have beaten Bostons on both occasions, proving far too strong in the night game at Ravendale in round two, and then with a one-point nail biting win in round seven at Poole Oval.
Any home ground advantage is missing with the game fittingly played at Centenary Oval, for this game is as close as you get to a final
All of the above is simply a matter of record and this contest will have a winner take all atmosphere about it.
Tasmans’ third quarter seven-goal blitz against South came through quick clearances at the centre bounce and the stoppages through the drive of Matty James and Adam Vonow.
If the Roosters reproduce that effort with quick ball up forward they can make if three out of three against the Tigers.
The Tiger on ball brigade will be a tougher situation than the Roosters faced last week with Malcolm Miller in brilliant form, Kayden Hull, Rhys Marsh, Michael Franklin and Jack Arbon.
The ruck contest will be a major factor and the Tigers’ Sunny Singh and the return of Peter Shanley can give them enough of first use, which will have the Tigers going forward more often than not.
Tasmans, without Sam DuBois, look to be underdone here and Jake Stoll will be important and has the height and ability to give his team first use.
Tasmans’ Brad Cimarosti, the mercurial Ross Campbell, who can demoralise any team wherever positioned, the tough as teak Matthew Dodd in the back half, the always present danger of Pete Davey in the midfield, plus the hard working duo of Hayden McKinlay and Michael Kilsby can make it a great day for the Roosters.
The Tiger back half, led by Brett Watherston, with the return of Steve Farquarson, Leigh Watherston at full back and the improved game of Dylan Coleman and Luke Shannon, will be hard to kick a winning score against.
The possible inclusion of Adam Hywood and Troy Hull, along with Troy Smith could see the Tigers line up with their strongest list.
Tip: this will be Tasmans last game at Centenary unless they make the finals, and while that should be the farthest thing from their minds, they have to get it right from the first bounce if they are to win.
The Tigers have the momentum and it has taken coach Martin Leslie all season to get the team playing four quarters. The feeling is supporters have not seen the best of the Tigers, but they could be about to this Saturday.
Tigers to win.
Email a friend
Favourites
Del.icio.us
Facebook
Digg
StumbleUpon
MySpace
Reddit
Newsvine
LinkedIn
Kwoff