Norths Tigers were the only team to defeat Goodna Eagles this season and will be aiming to repeat their success against them in this weekend’s Volunteers Cup grand final.
The Tigers earned their place in the decider at North Ipswich Reserve after proving too strong for Toowoomba Valleys 40-12 last weekend; displaying all the characteristics of the big cat by pouncing early to stun their opposition.
Leading 24-6 win at the halftime break; the Tigers players all did their jobs and took their chances when opportunity presented itself.
In the second half, it took 14 minutes before they got the scoreboard moving again; but by the 70th minute, they had hit 40 points to cap a dominant win.
This weekend’s decider will present them with a different challenge, but as the only team to beat Goodna this season, they will bring plenty of confidence to the encounter.
When the Tigers and Eagles clashed last in Round 7; Goodna were rolling along and seemingly well on their way to another win, leading 24-6 with less than 10 minutes to go until halftime.
By the final siren however, it had all gone wrong for the Eagles who ended up losing 28-24.
Norths clicked into gear when front row forward Tonga Mounga scored to light a spark for his team and the Tigers enjoyed all the momentum to close out the match.
Mounga finished with three tries to his name and dominated the game for Norths. His side will be hoping he can make a similar mark this weekend.
That match was the first time this season that Goodna had not scored in a half in the Volunteers Cup; with the Tigers no doubt studying their successful blueprint in the hopes of upsetting Goodna again on Saturday.
Norths coach Mick Newtown said he and his team were ready to attack the challenge of the grand final.
“We are as ready as we can be, we need to do the things well that we know contribute to us winning and that’s what Saturday is about,” Newtown said.
“When we beat Goodna earlier in the season we defended in the ruck.
“They’re not only a big side, but mobile and skilful, they are the best Goodna side I have seen in a long time.”
Norths head-gear sporting tackling machine Dylan Martin can not only do his work in the middle of the ruck tackling his little heart out, but also punch in with a try when needed.
The hooker has had a terrific Volunteers Cup in 2020; but he knew the job was not done yet and was looking forward to playing in the decider.
“Goodna are a very good side, but we need to control ruck defence, I think if we do that, we can score points,” Martin said.
“Both sides have tries in them, so it’s about getting your defence right.
“Our defence has been strong the last month and that’s why we are playing finals.
“It has to be strong again this week.”
Norths Tigers will play Goonda Eagles in the grand final of the Volunteers Cup on Saturday, October 17 at North Ipswich Reserve. Kick off will be at 3pm.
