Richard MichaelYoung Tigers march into the decider and out of the shadows
September 16th 2008 09:28
There is an air of anticipation and quiet confidence in the Northern Tigers under 20s squad.
Living in the shadows of the senior team in recent seasons, the young reserves outfit marched into the grand final after a 4-0 win over Rockdale City Suns on Saturday afternoon at Bonnyrigg Sports Club.
The result could have been very different and Tigers coach Jason Eagar was concerned about cobwebs affecting his side’s chances in the major semi-final. Wet weather and the week off for securing the minor premiership meant the team has played once in the past three weeks.
“We were a bit wary about that going in,” said Eagar. “We were a little rusty in the opening half and they had a couple of opportunities, one that hit the post.”
The side put to rest such concerns and exhibited their mettle in getting the opening goal and one after the break to take control of the match. The North Shore side slotted home two more for the appearance of an emphatic victory but one that did not reflect the enterprising efforts of their opponents.
Eagar’s side have lost only two matches all season and they get another week off to prepare for the game of the season and their chance to do what their first grade counterparts could not do last season: win the title and the premiership double.
The senior Tigers struggled with injuries and form to finish sixth this year in defence of their minor premiership. They are already looking to next year and the post-Hugh McCrory era, the former Macarthur Rams boss stepping down as Tigers Super League coach after a successful three-year stint.
Only Central Coast Lightning and the Suns – who finished second and third, respectively, in the league – stand in the way of the Tigers under 20s achieving their goal. The two sides play off in the preliminary final on Saturday, again at the Bonnyrigg Sports Club.
Being crowned premiers and champions is a salivating prospect but the Tigers will need to stay focused and play the tight passing game they are capable of in order to end their season on the ultimate high.
“If we can pull it together, we shouldn’t have too many problems,” Tigers goalkeeper Jonathon Faerber said. “We were pretty exhausted at the ended of the season but played really well [against Rockdale]. It’s gonna be fantastic.”
Striker Sebastian Kenda, who along with Faerber has first grade caps to his name, grabbed a double against the Suns and echoed his team-mate’s reserved excitement.
“Yeah, it was a good day,” ‘Bas’ said. "Once we start knocking the ball around like we can, there’s not too many sides who can keep up with us. We’ve gone well so far this season, it would be great to finish it off.”
Having already beaten both of their prospective opponents twice each this season, the Tigers are confident yet aware that complacency can unravel even the most talented and disciplined football outfits.
“We will train as normal tonight [Tuesday] and Thursday, then watch the [Tigers] under 18s in their grand final on Saturday and hopefully play a training match with them the following Tuesday.” Eagar said.
Grand final day is Sunday, September 28 at Gabbie Stadium. The under 20s kick off at 12.30pm and first grade at 3pm.
Living in the shadows of the senior team in recent seasons, the young reserves outfit marched into the grand final after a 4-0 win over Rockdale City Suns on Saturday afternoon at Bonnyrigg Sports Club.
The result could have been very different and Tigers coach Jason Eagar was concerned about cobwebs affecting his side’s chances in the major semi-final. Wet weather and the week off for securing the minor premiership meant the team has played once in the past three weeks.
“We were a bit wary about that going in,” said Eagar. “We were a little rusty in the opening half and they had a couple of opportunities, one that hit the post.”
The side put to rest such concerns and exhibited their mettle in getting the opening goal and one after the break to take control of the match. The North Shore side slotted home two more for the appearance of an emphatic victory but one that did not reflect the enterprising efforts of their opponents.
Eagar’s side have lost only two matches all season and they get another week off to prepare for the game of the season and their chance to do what their first grade counterparts could not do last season: win the title and the premiership double.
The senior Tigers struggled with injuries and form to finish sixth this year in defence of their minor premiership. They are already looking to next year and the post-Hugh McCrory era, the former Macarthur Rams boss stepping down as Tigers Super League coach after a successful three-year stint.
Only Central Coast Lightning and the Suns – who finished second and third, respectively, in the league – stand in the way of the Tigers under 20s achieving their goal. The two sides play off in the preliminary final on Saturday, again at the Bonnyrigg Sports Club.
Being crowned premiers and champions is a salivating prospect but the Tigers will need to stay focused and play the tight passing game they are capable of in order to end their season on the ultimate high.
“If we can pull it together, we shouldn’t have too many problems,” Tigers goalkeeper Jonathon Faerber said. “We were pretty exhausted at the ended of the season but played really well [against Rockdale]. It’s gonna be fantastic.”
Striker Sebastian Kenda, who along with Faerber has first grade caps to his name, grabbed a double against the Suns and echoed his team-mate’s reserved excitement.
“Yeah, it was a good day,” ‘Bas’ said. "Once we start knocking the ball around like we can, there’s not too many sides who can keep up with us. We’ve gone well so far this season, it would be great to finish it off.”
Having already beaten both of their prospective opponents twice each this season, the Tigers are confident yet aware that complacency can unravel even the most talented and disciplined football outfits.
“We will train as normal tonight [Tuesday] and Thursday, then watch the [Tigers] under 18s in their grand final on Saturday and hopefully play a training match with them the following Tuesday.” Eagar said.
Grand final day is Sunday, September 28 at Gabbie Stadium. The under 20s kick off at 12.30pm and first grade at 3pm.
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