Coburg Tigers v Williamstown
It was mixed results for the Coburg Tigers on Saturday with the Seniors defeating the reigning premiers Williamstown in an epic struggle by 10 points, whilst the reserves loosing convincingly to a physically stronger Williamstown lineup. In gale forced winds whipping in off the bay, it was nearly impossible to score at the grandstand end of Burbank Oval where any goal was a bonus.
The honeymoon ended for Reserves Coach Carl Steinfort on Saturday, as his side suffered its first loss for the 2004 season. With the breeze reaping havoc, Williamstown adapted to the conditions early and maintained it throughout the match.
Tiger Matt Rogers made his return from injury through the Reserves and was impressive amongst the best players, nailing a goal from inside the center square. Sam Lagozzino was elevated from his local club St. Bernards and was solid up forward finishing with two majors. Despite the unrelenting pressure on the backline players, Ryan Edwards stood tall finishing Best on Ground in the disappointing loss.
It was a physical encounter with the Burgers not utilizing the breeze nor adapting to the blustery conditions. The loss has given the side a reality check going into their match against the Box Hill Hawks, which is sure to be a measuring stick for Steinfort and his charges.
Senior Coach David Flood has continued to impress in his debut season with Coburg, notching up his second win in as many weeks against the reigning premiers and powerhouse club Williamstown.
With David Rodan and Tim Fleming coming back into the side alongside youngsters Foley and Gilmour, the coaching staff were confident about stealing the points down at Willie.
Down by 1 point at half time the Burgers pilled on 7 goals in the premiership 3rd term, with great usage of the ball and the aid of the breeze. Inspirational goals by Raines and Dragicevic in the final term enabled the Burgers to get over the line by 10 points.
David Rodan was sensational with 31 possessions and two goals, as too were Shane Tuck with 25 and Rory Hilton with 20. Young Travis Jorgenson has continued his great start to the year with yet another solid performance in defense and the old stalwart Dean Talbot is back to his best.
The win leaves Coburg two and one with the side oozing confidence as they prepare to take on the Box Hill Hawks in the ANZAC day clash at the Coburg City Oval on Sunday.
Come join the ANZAC day celebrations for the annual clash as we pay tribute to all Returned Service Men and Women. Prior to the main game at 2pm, we invite all RSL members down to the oval with the players, for the one minute silence and tribute to “The Last Post”.
***Free entry for all RSL members wearing their RSL badge***
Our Next game is against Box Hill Hawks at the Coburg City Oval on Anzac Day,
Sunday the 25th April.
Reserves: 11:10am
Seniors: 2:00pm
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