NORTHS have moved ahead of Fassifern into the Ipswich Rugby League top four after beating them 20-18 yesterday.
The Tigers came from 18-10 down at Keith Sternberg Oval, hitting the lead in the final 10 minutes.
For Norths coach Boss Cecil it was the return of several experienced first graders that got his team home in the tight finish.
“That was the most experienced side we’ve fielded,” he said.
“That brought us through in the end.
“Having James Stephensen, Tim Newton and John Luhrman back meant we only had three young blokes in the side and our decision making under pressure was crucial.”
Despite that, it looked like the Bombers would hold on, until two of the youngsters combined for the match winner, with centre Jericho Cecil putting winger Steven Rach over for a try.
“Jericho really challenged them on the left edge,” Cecil said.
“But the pass didn’t stick all the time.
“That one did.”
That it came after Norths had got back into a position to win proved Cecil senior’s words of advice at half-time worked.
“We leaked a bit up the middle,” he said of the first half.
“They scored a couple of soft tries.
“At half-time I spoke about intent.
“I didn’t think we were going into the tackle with intent.”
There was one exception, with the coach singling out tough forward Brad Oddi for special praise.
“His leadership I thought was exceptional in the first half,” Cecil said. “And his defence in the back end of the game.”
Norths now sit a point behind third placed Goodna, who slipped further behind leaders Brothers and Swifts following Swifts’ 60-16 thumping of West End.
The Tigers host Swifts next week and Cecil knows his team will have to improve its ball control if it is to issue a serious challenge.
“We gave away too much ball against Fassifern, which has been a problem,” he said.
“Some of it was without any pressure. Our ball security in contact – we lost a couple. We’ll have to tidy that up next weekend because Swifts are a big side and the collisions are not going to be any softer.”
QT: Experience tells as Tigers roar back into hunt for top four sport
Jay Buchan, 27/05/13. Link – http://www.qt.com.au/news/experience-tells-as-tigers-roar-back-into-hunt-for/1882688/
