Tigers bear claws for semi-final campaign
TULLY flexed its muscle ahead of the Cairns District Rugby League finals series with a 62-4 drubbing of Ivanhoes at Smithfield yesterday.
The Tigers roared into the finals with a dominant display, scoring 44 unanswered points in the second half against an opponent also heading into the post-season.
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Patience may not seem a commodity the Tigers would have needed in spades but it was what coach Leon Hallie was particularly pleased with after the match.
The Tigers showed plenty of resistance into a howling gale in the opening 40 minutes, waiting for the right chances instead of pushing passes and plays.
"They tested us a bit and we remained patient which was good – running into that wind was hard work," Hallie said.
The Tigers led 18-4 at halftime and dominated with the gale at their back in the second.
Hoes coach Billy Beard felt his side was in the hunt at halftime but three Tully tries in the opening 12 minutes of the second term hurt.
"That’s what broke the camel’s back there but otherwise there were some good points to come out of it," said Beard who again fielded several youngsters.
The Tigers’ ability to break the line constantly and back up in numbers to score is likely to put fear into fellow finalists.
The win pushed the Tigers into second place once points for and against were taken into account and gives them a double chance in the top five final system.
"We’re really stoked with that … it gives us every chance of winning if we’re good enough, it’s up to us," Hallie said.
A massive injury toll has cruelled Hoes this season though, with the club using more than 50 players in A grade throughout the season. "I’ve never seen a club get so many injuries," said Beard, although pointing out it was not the reason for yesterday’s loss.
Making the finals was a testament to the club. "It’s a whole learning period for the club and they’re going to be better for it," he said.
Ivanhoes expect to regain Callan Myles, Lyndsay Styles, Billy Segeyaro and Leon Wallis ahead of Sunday’s elimination final against Kangaroos.
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Hard to stop: Two-try prop Aisea Namoa creates nervous indecision in the Ivanhoes defence during Tully's 62-4 romp at Smithfield yesterday.
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