RIVERINA FOOTBALL LEAGUE
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WAGGA Tigers proved it is a legitimate premiership contender with an impressive 43-point victory to end Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong's season at Narrandera Sportsground on Sunday.
Tigers brought their hard-running game and produced it on the big stage as they proved far too slick for the Lions to take out a fiery elimination final, 18.9 (117) to 11.8 (74).
GGGM tried to bash and crash the young Tigers' team at every opportunity but they stood up to finals pressure and posted a well-deserved victory.
Tigers got off to a strong start and led by as much as 40 points midway through the second quarter.
GGGM staged a fightback and drew within 13 points on two occasions late in the third quarter only for Tigers to again kick away.
The Lions were still in touch going into the final term 25 points down but Tigers kicked the first four goals of the quarter to book their place in Sunday's first-semi final against Coolamon.
Tigers coach Matt Rava was a late withdrawal with his ankle injury but he could not have been happier with the way his team delivered its first finals win over GGGM since 2007.
"I'm very happy with that," Rava said.
"We had 22 contributors and that's the type of footy we can play when we're having a red hot crack.
"The big ground does suit us, a few young blokes that run all day and are quick so when we can get the footy in their hands we can cut teams up.
"Everyone knows, it's no big secret, it's a big positive for our team.
"Team's try and shut it down with different methods but it's really good to see our blokes step up today and take on the challenge."
It was an even spread from Tigers but youngster Charlie Bance continued his rise through the ranks with a top performance across half-back.
Matt Noonan proved the super sub off the bench, going forward to kick four goals, while Nick Ryan and John Buchanan were consistently dangerous inside 50.
Pat Gaynor was able to restrict Mitch Steele to one goal, while fellow GGGM key forward Christen McPherson was a late withdrawal due to injury.
The win puts Tigers in a strong position as it faces the next two games at home on Robertson Oval, should it be good enough to stay alive.
With Rava, possibly Angus Durnan and Mitch Hawker to return next week, things are looking good for Tigers.
"We're not going to look too far ahead, we sorted ourselves out this week and now we look to next week," Rava said.
"As I just said to the boys, we'll be taking it one quarter at a time and if things go our way we've got a decent run if we can manage it.
"There is a lot of talent in our team and when everyone is up and about, everyone puts their hand up then there is no reason why we can't win one on ones all over the ground."
For GGGM, Luke Walsh and Nathan Kember were rock solid in defence, while Sam Hatty bagged four goals up forward.
The Lions did pick up a potentially serious injury with Lachie Parker going down with a knee complaint.