{"id":151465,"date":"2024-02-28T08:57:32","date_gmt":"2024-02-27T22:57:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=151465"},"modified":"2024-02-28T08:57:33","modified_gmt":"2024-02-27T22:57:33","slug":"tigers-roar-in-final-term-to-produce-come-from-behind-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2024\/02\/28\/tigers-roar-in-final-term-to-produce-come-from-behind-win\/","title":{"rendered":"Tigers roar in final term to produce come-from-behind win"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A CODY Szust<\/strong> banana from the boundary helped seal an incredible comeback from Nightcliff who looked dead and buried against Waratah, as the Tigers booted five goals to one in a final term fightback. The 9.10 (64) to 9.8 (62) win moves the Tigers to within one victory of a grand final, while Tahs will face Southern Districts in a do-or-die semi-final.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waratah raced out of the blocks early, piling on five unanswered goals to open up a 30-point point lead. That give the red and whites some breathing space heading into the main break after Nightcliff kicked the only goal of the second term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was quite a contest after half time, as both sides were up for the fight, kicking three goals apiece, though Waratah still held a 23-point advantage with a quarter to play. Looking out of it, Nightcliff needed to find a way to score, and did, kicking 5.2 (32) in the final term, making the most of their chances after 4.8 (32) for the first three quarters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waratah could only managed the one goal, which meant despite the large advantage at the final break, could not capitalise on an upset, having to settle for a knockout semi-final instead with the 9.10 (64) to 9.8 (62) loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nightcliff coach Leigh Crossman<\/em><\/strong> said he was impressed with the second half after a disappointing first half that had become a theme for the Tigers this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We probably rolled the forwards up too high and got a few guys to sit back, but we were always in the contest, we just weren’t executing very well,” Crossman said<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“That last half was pretty impressive and it’s something we can build on for the St Mary’s final.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Kicking a single goal in the first half has been a bit of a common theme, but in this case where we kicked nine goals from 19 shots, the last one gave us the win, which was great.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though disappointed, Waratah coach Ryan Ayres<\/em><\/strong> said Nightcliff was a “quality outfit” having won seven of the last eight, and the ‘Tahs would now utilise the second chance they gave themselves with a final round win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waratah will face Southern Districts after a 26-point win over PINT in the elimination final over the weekend. The match was marred by an incident that involved manhandling a field umpire, but after a ix goals to one first half, the game always looked the Croc’s for the taking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Crocs’ 12.10 (82) to 8.8 (56) win was built off the first half, where they kicked away to lead by 26 points at half-time. Both teams found ways to score i the second half with the difference remaining the same, but it was Southern Districts who kept its hopes of a flag alive, while PINT will head to the off-season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NTFL MEN’S PREMIER LEAGUE WEEK 1 FINALS RESULTS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Qualifying Final: <\/strong>Nightcliff 9.10 (64) def. Waratah 9.8 (62)
Elimination Final: <\/strong>Southern Districts 12.10 (82) def. Pint 8.8 (56)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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