It is fitting that the first placed Colts and the second placed Tigers meet in this year's U12 Bronze Grand Final, as both teams have arguably set the pace in a strong league. The Colts finished on top this year and were undefeated throughout the season. The Tigers lost two games, both ironically to the Colts, 20-18 in Round 3 and 22-8 in Round 7.
The Colts have scored 264 points and conceded 106 while the Tigers have only scored 8 fewer points with 256 and conceded slightly more with 142 against. It is clear that both teams have points in them but it will be the Tigers defence that will need to stand up, if they are to win this game. In recent weeks the Tigers forward line has been formidable and their goal line defence has held firm when called upon. This will certainly be the case on Saturday as the Colts have weapons across the field and the Tigers will need to be on their game to hold them out.
The Tigers will need Leo Giovenco, Lucius Viteri, Reece Amos, Will Janssen and Mason Holiday to build a wall in front of the backs and force the Colts wide, this way the Tigers speedy backs can pick off their attacks and prevent any advantage to the Colts. Talking of speed, Lewis Amesbury, Jensen Bunyan and Levi Dawson will get plenty of chances throughout the game and it's up to the Tigers playmakers, to provide good ball so they can use their pace to good advantage and stretch the Colts defensive line.
The Tigers will need Jake Dooley, Zane Shoblom and Bede Staniforth to make important metres and drive the Colts defensive line back at every opportunity and the Tigers will also need their playmakers to shine on Saturday with Patrick Graham, Hunter Loveday, Max Cooper, Bailey Mason and Liam Good needing to be at their cunning best to find holes in the Colts defence and take their defensive line on. The Tigers will also need big games from Cooper Nunn and Ben Rooke who may well prove to be the match winners in a tight contest.
In what promises to be a highly entertaining game, the Tigers can take some confidence into the game, as they have proved in recent weeks that they have the ability to withstand pressure, score at key moments and rely on their game plan to get on top of teams. The Tigers only need to think back to recent games against the Scots, Gorillas and Kookaburras to confirm what they are capable of defensively and in attack and if they reach that standard on Saturday they will push the Colts all the way.
Although the form book points to a Colts win, the Tigers go into the game with some confidence as they have yet to meet the Colts with a full team let alone a full squad. For the Tigers to defeat a talented Colts outfit, they must play as a team, use their skill and speed and have belief that they deserve to be in the final and belief that they can be crowned PREMIERS.
Go Tigers
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