Putting aside the disappointment of the previous week’s loss, the Gundagai Tigers have showcased their ability to perform in finals football with a 36-12 victory over the Junee Diesels at Anzac Park on Sunday.
With both regular-season matches between the two ending in close results with a win apiece, the Qualifying Final of the second and third placed sides was expected to be no different.
In-form five-eighth Tyron Gorman was quick to open the scoring for the Tigers before James Morgan joined him on the scoresheet, giving the Tigers a 10-nil lead.
The Diesels responded via a try to Cooper Wright but tries to Mark Asquith and Will Herring before the break had the home side heading to sheds with a handy fourteen point buffer.
Gundagai’s leading try scorer Sailusi Temaka registered another four-pointer to begin the scoring in the second half and not long after, Gabriel Gul also crossed for the Tigers.
Jakeem Morgan closed the gap for Junee by going over with only 10 minutes remaining, although it was followed by Herring’s second for the afternoon extending the Tigers lead once more and closing out Gundagai’s impressive display.
Gundagai captain-coach Hayden Ashcroft said simplifying the Tigers game led to the desired result.
“We really focused on us this week, stripped things right back and put a huge emphasis on high completions and building pressure. I thought that worked well.”
Sunday’s success means Gundagai have now progressed to this week’s Major Semi Final, where they will travel to Temora on Sunday to play the Dragons.
The winner of that match will have earned a passage through to the September 20 Grand Final, while the loser will have to take on the winner of Junee and Southcity for their place in the decider.
Ashcroft believes the Tigers learnt a valuable lesson from their Round 16 loss to the Dragons and will be better equipped to handle the Minor Premiers this time around.
“I think we were a little complacent last time we played Temora, and weren’t willing to grind away. We need to start well and be willing to stick it out for long periods.”
Gundagai came through the Junee game unscathed as far as injuries go, while also expecting Pat Birch and Benjy Hannan to be available for selection in this weekend’s match ensuring Ashcroft has a full strength squad at his disposal.
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