A LAST quarter surge from Woorinen almost saw the Tigers pull off a stunning upset against Kerang on Saturday.
The win would have been a relief to the Blues after going down to Swan Hill in Round 9 and failing to run out Saturday’s game.
Kerang remains two games clear in second spot as it chases a double chance in September, while Woorinen will rue what might have been as it still sits two points behind fifth-placed Cohuna.
The windy conditions at Riverside Park saw both sides open the game sloppily around the ground but it was Kerang that was able to produce more opportunities in front of goal.
Despite this, the Blues were only able to register one first-quarter major — to big forward Luke Livingston in his first game of the season — while squandering six chances to the town end.
At the river end, Woorinen was only able to record two behinds and was lucky to be just 10 points behind at the first break.
It was a game better noted for being a tough, close contest rather than a skilful spectacle but both side’s reliable stars were able to have an impact around the ground.
Josh Bray was again important in defence for Kerang, while Luke Cotchett impressed in an on-ball role.
For the visitors, Aaron Cadd and Matt Iannucci helped keep Woorinen within striking distance of the Blues.
Other players to impress included Blues Matt Coates and Mark Walter, and Woorinen’s Jordy McInnes and Dwayne Hamlyn.
Kerang straightened up in the defining quarter of the match, kicking 4.1 to three behinds in the second term.
Livingston was proving the game’s best target and had three goals to his name halfway through the term, before Marc Reiffel became the second player from either side to register a major.
Reiffel’s second saw the home side open up a telling five goal advantage in the conditions, with Woorinen going into the main break with just five behinds.
Inspirational Tiger Aaron Cadd finally opened his side’s account in the third term after receiving a handpass from Daniel Demaria.
Livingston and Jamie Nicholas then added goals for their sides, to see the Blues take a 33-point lead into the last break.
With 20 scoring shots to seven, Blues fans would have been forgiven for thinking their side should have been further in front but with only two goals to that stage of the day it was hard to see Woorinen mounting a serious threat on the scoreboard.
When Jason Iannucci goaled early for the Tigers a comeback seemed possible, yet one goal to the Blues seemed enough to put the result to bed.
But that goal wasn’t forthcoming, and second majors to Nicholas and Iannucci saw fans of both sides gradually finding their voice in the last half of the term.
A stunning transformation had taken place and when Blake Ward goaled the Tigers were just two points shy of the reigning premiers.
One last effort was required from both sides but alas for Woorinen it was the game’s last score and time finally ran out, leaving the Tigers to ponder what could have been.
The Tigers will regroup next week when they host Lake Boga, while Kerang will travel to Greenham Park in an intriguing contest with Balranald.
