Home finals for Tigers Senior teams

SOUTH COAST AFL JAMIE ROSS

THE NORTHERN Districts Tigers ensured appearances at their home ground for the South Coast AFL preliminary finals after first and second grade both won on the weekend.

First grade will face Kiama for a spot in the decider against Bomaderry while second grade will meet Bomaderry.

Both games will be held at the Tigers stomping ground, Hollymount Park, on Saturday.

First grade met the Nowra Blues in Saturday’s minor semi-final at Camden.

Nowra started the game strongly, running the ball hard from the centre bounce, and finding targets on many occasions within range of goal.

At quarter-time Nowra were leading by a goal and extended that lead two goals at the main break.

Tigers coach Steve Wilson rallied his troops at half time, outlining a new strategy for the third quarter.

Running out for the second half, the Tigers had renewed determination not to exit the finals this early.

From the whistle they never looked back. By three quarter-time the Tigers had turned the margin to two goals in their favour.

Their roll continued in the final quarter and at the final siren Northern Districts 14-10-94 defeated Nowra 8-9-57.

Best on ground for the Tigers were Derek Langhorn, Nathan Hynd and Nathan England.

Andrew Hammonds also ran hard into the forward line after missing most of the season through injury, and ended the game with three goals to his name.

Norths won the reserve grade minor semi final, beating local rivals Port Kembla in a convincing display.

Best on ground players for the Tigers came from each end of the park – full forward Andrew Shephard kicked four goals, while full back Frank Heggarty worked hard all day to hold out the Port Kembla attack.

Norths reserve grade will face Bomaderry in the preliminary final this Saturday.

Reserve grade play from midday, first grade from 2pm.