THE first semi-final was almost over in the first quarter, with only Tooleybuc Manangatang’s wayward kicking keeping Woorinen in the contest.
The midfield strength of the Tigers was completely nullified as the Saints had winners in Frankie Robinson, Tom Pridgeon and Josh Stone.
The silky skills and experience of Jack O’Rourke and Mitch Hough were at their best and delivery to the strong forwards that the Saints boast in abundance was plentiful and accurate.
What made the match more of a debacle was that at three-quarter-time the Saints shut-up shop.
With a tough preliminary final coming next Saturday, Tooleybuc Manangatang decided on safety first and probably came through the encounter unscathed.
Woorinen stars Jason and Matt Iannucci were not as influential as usual, and found the going too tough on many occasions as the Saints piled on the defensive pressure across the ground.
An interesting aspect of the early part of the game was the Saints placing of Brenton Chislett in the ruck.
This left champion big man Ryan O’Sullivan to go forward, putting even more pressure on an already under-sized Tigers’ back half.
Aaron Cadd was, at times, playing a lone hand for the Tigers’ defence.
Tiger forward Jamie Nicholas battled against the might of the big Saints defence, with Steven Lyons and Kane McAlpine causing troubles.
When O’ Sullivan went into the ruck it was even more misery for the battling Tigers midfield as the league’s finest big man fed the likes of Mick Dedini and Hough. Both were superb with their ball delivery and ability to find space.
The final score flattered Woorinen and the Tigers’ brains-trust will recognise that a number of big players need to be recruited if the Tigers are to take that next step in their quest for a share of the silverware.
The Saints now look to an interesting encounter with the Swans at Barham.
On present form the Saints must go into the game confident, despite the qualifying final loss to the Swans.
On Sunday’s form Tooleybuc Manangatang’s overall strength is more than a match for the undermanned Swans. The Swans have been known to beat the odds though
