A DWAYNE Hamlyn-inspired Woorinen came from 26 points down to snatch a last gasp victory in a sensational finish to yesterday’s elimination final against Cohuna at Tooleybuc.
After kicking the first two goals of the last quarter the Kangas had what seemed an unassailable 26-point lead but Woorinen claimed the most unlikely of victories after booting the last five goals of the match.
With both sides nearly at full strength, the Kangas welcomed back Angus Grigg to bolster their forward line.
A mild 25 degrees ensured the contest would seem like a survival of the fittest even at this early stage of the finals.
The Tigers took the early initiative to score the first three majors of the match through Jason Iannucci, Matt Iannucci and Billy McInnes.
The Tigers’ half-back line was combining well and it was through Nick Trenfield and Aaron Cadd that they were able to gain clean possession for their forwards.
Kanga Christian Bock was on top in the ruck but Woorinen’s midfielders were able read the play and get their hands on the ball first and get vital clearances at the stoppages. Grigg got the Kangas much-needed first goal.
Goals to Matt Pell and Billy McInnes saw the Tigers go in with a 17-point lead at quarter-time.
The Kangas jumped out of the blocks in the second term with Grigg and Matt Rice giving Cohuna early momentum.
The Kangas took a five-point lead into the half-time break and, with goals to Rice and Tyson Bock, jumped out to an early lead in the second half.
Once again Christian Bock’s work in the ruck and around the ground was terrific and he was ably assisted by fellow big man Chris Anderson and on-ballers in Jake Thrum and Levi Moss.
Will Watson grabbed a steadier for the Tigers but Moss answered immediately.
A 10-minute deadlock ensued, with Daniel Demaria breaking the impasse with a much-needed goal for the Tigers following a ruck infringement.
A free to Tyson Bock at the other end saw the Kangas restore their margin but once again the Tigers would respond through McInnes.
The Kangas had a 14-point lead at the three-quarter time siren and the aid of a slight breeze and, with the first two majors of the last term, appeared home.
Goals to Doug Palmer and Jamie Nicholas kept the Tigers in it though, with Hamlyn inspiring his team to another major before Nicholas converted to reduce the margin to just one point.
It was, appropriately, Hamlyn who slotted a clever running goal to put the Tigers in front.
Woorinen hung on for a crazy final two minutes and advanced to another sudden death final against Tooleybuc Manangatang at Swan Hill next Sunday.
