WAGGA Tigers’ ruck recruit Simon Hallsworth did enough to suggest he will be a handy Riverina Football League acquisition in the last trial trial game before the competition starts in a fortnight.
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Hallsworth, from Western Australia, was solid in the hit-outs as the Tigers came from behind at the final change to run over the top of Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes and win by four goals at Mangoplah on Saturday.
Trailing at every break, Wagga kicked 6.1 to two behinds in the last quarter to win 13.5 (83) to 9.5 (59).
The Goannas’ stocks were low late in the match with injuries from what was a tough workout and the Tigers pounced; John Buchanan starring in the second half and finishing with five goals.
Once again Wagga captain-coach Shaun Campbell was best afield – winning the hard ball, linking team-mates with pinpoint disposal and booting a telling set shot goal from a tight angle in the final quarter.
Tigers’ defence held up well with Nicholas McCormack and Dylan Morton giving nothing away.
Harry Collins and Scott Barlin kicked four goals each for the Goannas who have a number of players to come into the team for their opening round contest at home against Coolamon on April 22.
Wagga has the bye in the first round and plays its first premiership match against Leeton-Whitton at Leeton in a re-match of last season’s grand final on 29 April.
Scores:
WAGGA 2.2 4.2 7.4 13.5 (83)
MCUE 3.1 5.3 9.3 9.5 (59)
Goals: Wagga: J Buchanan 5, N Cooke 2, R Tuohey 2, A Bennett, S Campbell, S McGowan, N Ryan; MCUE: S Barlin 4, H Collins 4, B Foster. Best: Wagga: S Campbell, N McCormack, N Ryan, N Cooke, S Hallsworth, D Morton; MCUE: H Collins, S Barlin, J Killalea, M Collins.
Reserves: Wagga d MCUE
Under 17: MCUE d Wagga
