A big second half performance cemented Wagga Tigers place in the final three with a 47-point victory over Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes on Sunday.
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Tigers broke the game in the third quarter and kicked nine goals to three in the second half to run out resounding winners, 13.14 (92) to 6.9 (45) at Kindra Park.
Tigers had the better of most of the day but the Goannas got on top for the second half of the second quarter and were able to close the margin to nine points at the main break.
But after waiting almost nine minutes for the first goal of the third quarter, Tigers then took control and stretched the margin to 28 points at the final change.
They then kicked five consecutive goals in the final term, either side of MCUE's only two for the quarter, to seal the win and set up a home preliminary final against Coolamon next Sunday.
Wagga Tigers coach Troy Maiden was pleased to stay in the race for the premiership.
"It's good, probably moreso I was looking for a bit of a response after last week," Maiden said.
"We spoke last week about our ball use and I thought today we used it a whole lot better, but particularly early on.
"We got off to a good start. Our intent early on was great and that was a real focus of ours so it was good to get that done."
Maiden was pleased with the way his team took control of the game in the second half.
"We probably went away from (our game style) in the second quarter and allowed them to get right back into the game but I thought the way we took the game on in the second half was really good," he said.
"I thought we finished the game really well and there were times in that third quarter particularly where we just had to scrap it out and keep forcing the ball forward and I thought we did that really well."
As for Coolamon next week, who Tigers have enjoyed two big wins over this year, Maiden is not getting too wrapped up in the past.
"It's finals footy so it's a whole new ball game. Anything can happen on the day and we're looking forward to it," he said.
Dylan Morton was outstanding for Tigers across half-back, while Brendy Myers broke the game open in the third term and finished the day with 3.4.
Nick Ryan worked hard all day despite close attention and kicked three goals, while Jake Mascini and Shaun Driscoll gave Tigers plenty of run.
Tom Osmotherly's return also made a huge
Tim Smith was a standout for MCUE, intercepting a lot of ball in defence, while Paddy Griffin stuck to the task all day.
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