The Tassie Tigers brought their A game to today's AHL classification match, relegating the South Australian Hotshots to the wooden spoon with a clinical display. Solid performances by all Tigers saw them dominate the match and win 4-1.
After yesterday's disappointment, the Tassie Tigers regrouped for their final match of the 2012 AHL campaign. From the start the Tigers played with the focus apparent in the pool matches but which had deserted them for yesterday's match against the NT Stingers.
The Tigers controlled the play but were unable to score despite putting the Hotshots' defence under relentless pressure. Eventually the Tigers wore down the Hotshots, with Adam Clifford scoring his first goal of the tournament with a clinical finish half way through the first term, after good build up from the Tigers' midfield.
Once again, Luke Doerner demonstrated why he is the leading goal scorer of the tournament, when he converted a PC with a powerful drag flick that had the defenders ducking for cover. This goal in the final minute of the half, saw Tasmania leading 2-0 at the break.
It was expected that the Hotshots would throw everything at the Tigers in the second half as they had nothing to lose. The Tigers' structure control and poise negated the Hotshots effectively.
The second half of the match mirrored the first with a PC goal half way through (this time to Nick Budgeon) and a goal in the final minute (to captain Eddie Ockenden). The final goal was a delight, with Budgeon sending a long overhead pass from deep defence to Ockenden, who eliminated the Hotshots' keeper at the top of the circle and sent the ball into the empty goal with mere seconds remaining.
To the Hotshots credit, they earned and converted a PC in the final minutes of the match. This was the only PC they forced during the match, which was testament to the solid Tigers' defence.
The final score of 4-1 was a good reflection of the difference between the two teams.
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