IT’S hard to believe Orange Tigers put 233 points on Young two weeks ago.
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In Saturday’s Central West AFL match in Young, Orange had to come from behind to claim the 15.13 (103) to 11.11 (77) win over the Saints.
Tigers coach Nathan Pearce said it was far from his team’s best performance.
“We led by two points at quarter-time, we were down at half-time and after three quarters,” Pearce explained.
“It was really a bit of determination and fitness that got us over the line at the end by about 30 points.
“It wasn’t really great. I thought on paper we were a bit better team than that.”
Orange led 3.2 (20) to 2.6 (18) at the first break before Young kicked four goals to Orange’s three, to be up by seven points at half-time.
The Saints extended their lead to 10.10 (70) to 8.8 (56) going into the final period.
Pearce asked for more from his players in the final quarter and they delivered, booting eight majors and restricting Young to one to secure the 26-point victory.
“We rallied in the last quarter and that was really pleasing,” Pearce said.
“Andrew Nelson really changed the game for us after half-time, going into the ruck a bit. Corey McKenzie and Josh Bubnich played well.
“They both had reasonable games up until three-quarter-time, but then I asked all three, Andrew Nelson included, to step up for the last quarter and they did.”
The Tigers were missing some key players but also lost Paul Jenkins with a cracked rib at half-time and David Ternes just after the break with a shoulder injury.
A highlight in the match for Pearce, who strapped on the boots, was getting the chance to play with his nephew Logan Crimp.
However, the coach said he wouldn’t be a regular in the top grade.
“You won’t be seeing the boots coming out too often,” he laughed.
Orange will take on Cowra in the next round before a general bye for the long weekend.
Pearce said the team would use this time to work on a few things before they clash with competition leaders Bathurst Bushrangers on June 14.
ORANGE TIGERS 15.13 (103) def YOUNG SAINTS 11.11 (77)