Match of the Round Report: Orange Tigers vs Bathurst Giants

The Tigers and Giants battle it out at Waratah Sports Ground - Photo: Ben Neely

Orange Tigers 6.6-42 defeat Bathurst Giants 5.3-33

 

The Orange Tigers have narrowly defeated the Bathurst Giants by 9 points at a cold and wet Waratah Sports Ground over the weekend.

The conditions made it tough for the players, but multiple goals from Luke Rothnie (2), Damien Caughlan (2), and Rowan Mcfarlane’s (2) made all the difference for the Tigers.

 

Match Summary

Quarter 1 – Giants 2.1-13 lead Tigers 1.0-6

The game started out with a frantic pace, with both teams looking to move the football in the cold conditions. The weather however soon made this difficult, as the rain started to tumble sideways across the pitch. Colin Whitchurch had the first opportunity to kick a goal for the Giants side but missed. The Tigers soon had their chances and Pierce Frecklington kicked to Damien Caughlan who converted for the first goal of the match. Unfortunately, Frecklington was hurt in the play. Wayne Taylor played strongly for the Giants, while Maximus Booth – Martinez kicked the ball along the ground to get the Giants’ first major. The Giants then scored their second soon after, with Brendan Edwards slicing the ball through the posts. Through the wet conditions, the game got very physical, with both teams making big tackles. The Giants led by 7 as the quarter ended.

 

Quarter 2 – Tigers 4.3-27 lead Giants 4.1-25

As the quarter started, the rain got even heavier, making spectators sprint for cover. Jordan Collins had first crack at goal in the quarter but missed his shot. The Giants soon countered though and Rowan McFarlane extended the Giants’ lead. The Tigers got back on track midway through the quarter when they hit back on the scoreboard, kicking their second goal of the match. Matthew Elliott was outstanding for the Giants side, blocking a kick and then moving the ball into the Giants forward line to give his side another opportunity. Whitchurch soon kicked another goal for the Giants, giving the side the lead. The Tigers however, fought until the siren, when Damien Caughlan bumped off a Giants defender, turning to kick a goal to give their side a 2 point lead at the main break.

 

Quarter 3 – Tigers 5.4-34 lead Giants 4.2-26

The third quarter started out strong for the Giants, with early pressure leading to an opportunity for Whitchurch, who’s attempted banana missed. The Tigers defence was impenetrable at times, preventing the Giants from having easy shots at goal. It was a low scoring quarter, with the heavy rain making it difficult for the players to both catch and pick the ball up, with most players opting to kick the ball along the ground. The Tigers however, managed to kick a goal on the siren, extending their lead to 8 points.

 

Quarter 4 – Tigers 6.6-42 def Giants 5.3-33

In a scrappy quarter, both teams struggled to hold possession of the football. Pete Hunt had a chance at goal off a free kick but missed. The Giants forward line had plenty of chances, but the Tigers defence managed to hold. Soon after, the Tigers counterattacked and managed to kick a goal to extend their lead. Raymond Trevorah was strong for the Giants, making some huge plays from diving at the football, which soon led to the Giants kicking a goal late in the quarter. The Tigers managed to hold on however, taking victory from their first home match of the season.

 

Goal Kickers

Orange Tigers: R. McFarlane 2, L. Rothnie 2, D. Caughlan 2

Bathurst Giants: M. Booth – Martinez 2, C. Whitchurch, B. Edwards, H. Cooke

 

What’s Next

The Tigers will travel to Dubbo to take on the Demons whilst the Giants will have the week off with the bye.

 

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