Tigers wary of Magpies

TIME after time the Tweed Coast Tigers have been inspirational and are hoping for a replay when they clash with Byron Bay Magpies at Pottsville Oval this afternoon.

The Tigers have led for the entire Summerland League season. The only setback they have had came in round one against the Magpies.

It wasn’t a huge victory – just a mere two points – but it is a wound which has left the Tigers wary.

Captain Jai Pursell said his team had high expectations and it would presumably be a tight game.

“Byron traditionally builds momentum towards the end of the season and they did consolidate a win against Coolangatta last week,” he said.

“They have been the reigning premiers for the last three years but I think we have done well since coming into the league.

“We need to lift the bar and continue on our good form which is not an easy task against Byron.”

The Tigers have played the Magpies on three occasions this year; they lost by two points in the first, but were victorious in both round six and round 11.

“From our last game it was certainly a similar situation in the first half, it was very competitive, with only about two goals in it,” Pursell said.

“We are getting back the intensity we had from a month ago which hasn’t been an easy task to build a good game.

“There are a few players out but some are coming...a few small forwards are returning and that will certainly increase the intensity of the goalscoring opportunities up forward.”

The Magpies are successful and ultra-competitive. They are also the only team to defeat the Tigers all season.

Pursell said: “The other teams lift and try to knock us off because they have nothing to lose but we have everything to lose”.

“We are focusing our drive on the end of the year for the finals but one of our problems with the situation is that we are assured first place,” he said.

“It is really difficult because our last game before the finals is against Nimbin which is not going to be anything competitive, I am sorry to say.

“This is our last real hit-out to the finals with seriousness...our first semi could be against Byron, it is like a dress rehearsal for the first semi-final.

“Our 22 guys need to be fully committed with intensity; they will have to use their potential and professionalism along with their fitness.”

So far this season Magpies have won nine games. Nipping at their heels is Ballina, Lismore and Coolangatta. The bounce is 2pm.

Other matches, Ballina Bombers face Lismore Swans and Nimbin Demons take on Coolangatta Blues.