In Game Three of our 2023 season the Tigers travelled up to Glasgow for the second of their home and away clashes with the Glasgow Sharks this year, knowing that we’d be in for a tough game with the Sharks eager to post their first win for the season, and the Tigers missing a few key players.

 

In warm and sunny conditions the class of the Sharks was on full display, and they ran out strong 120 point winners (24.12.156 to 4.12.36).

 

That score line might suggest that the Tigers had a pretty miserable day, but in actual fact that wasn’t the case. Whilst we didn’t manage to get a win there were many positives to the day, and every player who ran out to play for the Tigers put in a fantastic effort, with some of the key highlights being:

 

1. The team spirit on the day.

 

We may have had a few significant ‘outs’ - and our limited ability to use rotations to give players a break from time to time meant that the guys who were playing had to dig pretty deep – but every player rose to the challenge, and many put in the best performances they’ve ever managed in a Tigers jumper. 

 

2. The spread of effort.

 

Roy Brannigan and Ben Hawtin were their usual inspiring selves, but it was the way so many other guys went with them that should make any Tiger supporter proud. 

 

Harry Telfer was fantastic for the full four quarters. Jack Bould was really strong and displayed improving skills, despite the fact that it was only his third game and the Sharks were generally a bigger outfit than us yesterday. Jason Liddell was similarly strong (despite having had very little sleep the night before), Warren Pullen battled through an early first quarter ‘stinger’ to the neck to play out the game and stay ‘physical’ within it, and Matt Zorkau brought his typical intensity to the contest despite being hampered by a couple of lingering injuries. 

 

I could go on, but you get my drift, and all should take a bow!

 

3. The learning opportunities. 

 

Coach Chris Roger has often said that we learn as much (if not more) from our losses as we do from our wins, and yesterday provided plenty of food for thought, especially with regards to stoppages.

 

The Sharks clearance work at stoppages and centre bounces was excellent. Subtle tap work from their ruckmen and good connection with their deft handballing midfielders (often towards the back of the contest) created many Sharks goals, and highlighted the fact that we need to get better at containing an opponent who is winning that aspect of the game, and at re-establishing control around the stoppages ourselves. 

 

But we will get to work on that, and at continuing the development of our squad in general.

 

We thank the Sharks for a great game, and we now turn our thoughts to preparing for our next contest against the Glasgow Giants, which kicks off at 2pm next Saturday 20/5/23 at our home ground on the GSA playing grounds in Gosforth. 

 

Beware a wounded Tiger!