The Rangers started the stronger though, with greater willingness to engage in challenges, to get to the ball first and to work hard off the ball seeing them create the better scoring chances throughout the first half. The Tigers defensive unit of Tom Riley, Brock Gutherson, Jake Bindon and Cale McCarthy were working hard to keep the Tigers in the contest, and Brett Webber was very solid as the Tigers custodian. Despite the Rangers having the lion’s share of effective possession, perhaps the best chance of the half fell the Tigers way though, with a shot from Nick Chapman squeezing its way under the Rangers keeper and onto the goal line, only to be stopped by the keeper’s outstretched arm.

The Tigers were relieved to get to half time still on level terms, and a spray from the coaching staff seemed to have the desired effect as they returned to the park full of running, matching their opponents for intensity and starting to finally string some better passes together. Matt McGarrigle and Nick Chapman were starting to combine well on the Tigers’ left, and Jake Bindon began to chime in to the attack more often, overlapping McGarrigle on many occasions and delivering some quality crosses into the Rangers’ box. Little more than 10 minutes had passed in the second half when the same trio combined to see Chapman beat his man and deliver a beautiful ball to the head of a diving Harvey Kendall, whose commitment to get to the back post saw him put the Tigers in front. With their noses in front the Tigers began to play with more confidence, and Chapman began to run more freely at the Rangers defence, well supported by Brendan Aquilina, Jim Jenkins and McGarrigle. However the Rangers were not about to give up easily and clawed their way back into the match. 

The game became a midfield battle, with an inspirational Joey Newman leading the way for the Tigers, and good energy provided by Jordan Fletcher and Jake Stockdale who were sent on to bolster the ranks.  As the clock wound down Daniel Barry was injected into the match for Chapman who had run himself to a standstill, and the youngster provided enough threat to keep the Rangers from committing the players they needed to break down a well organised Tigers defence. 

A series of corners to the Rangers in the dying minutes had the TFFC  coaching staff on the edge of their seats, but the Rangers were unable to score and the Tigers ran out winners 1 goal to nil.

The win sees the Tigers reserves progress to play Port United Reserves at Port Macquarie next Saturday in another sudden death encounter. The win also sees the Tigers reserves progress further in the competition than any TFFC team in the last 15 years. 

“The signs are good for the future,” Tigers reserves coach Stu Ireland said. 

“It’s a very young side but they are technically good, and can only improve with this first experience of senior finals football.”