Many braved the conditions on Saturday and made their way for the Sapphire game against Thunder. Thunder had a strong start in the first quarter quickly establishing a 6 goal lead. Tigers found the height in their goal circle difficult to control and with a few unforced errors and missed goals, Thunder maintained their lead into the first break.
With a few key changes made to the line up, Tigers second quarter started to show some of the brilliance that secured them the win against QUT last week. Moving Ri Childs into GD added a new dynamic that Thunder found difficult to read whilst Ally McLeod, returning from a knee injury, had an impact in the centre court. Some of the loudest cheers were for debutant Aaliyah Sheppard. Playing a strong game at WD, she showed the crowd at Nissan why her future is bright at our club.
Patience in the attack end and intensity in defence has become the Tiger trademark for 2022 and it was certainly on show in the second half. A close third quarter dominated by turnovers , allowed Tigers to get within 3 goals at the final break. The final quarter had surges from both sides however Thunder maintained their game plan and closed the game 56-47.