Gippsland Times | WITH the final kick of the game, Maffra tasted defeat for the second consecutive home match.
Following a poor start to its Gippsland League football premiership defence, Morwell continued its resurgence under new coach Joel Soutar as the Tigers overran the Eagles.
After being awarded a free kick, James Jacobson kicked a goal to put the Tigers in front for the first time since early in the match. Seconds later, the siren sounded, giving the visitors a 13.7 (85) to 12.12 (84) victory.
With three straight wins, the Tigers are now level on points with Maffra, which is in fourth place with a better percentage.
The match appeared in Maffra's keeping at half-time, with the Eagles leading by 38 points.
Despite Soutar coaching from the sidelines and the absence of onballer Rob Michaelides, the Tigers lifted after the main break, kicking five goals to two in the third term to reduce the deficit to 21 by the final change.
While the Eagles welcomed ruckman Brent Connelly back into the side, the Tigers were dominating the centre clearance count, providing their forwards with ample opportunity to kick goals. The Tigers were also able to find teammates in space up the field.
Two goals from Daniel Hutchison cut the margin to eight points five minutes into the final term, before a goal from Daniel Bedggood appeared to have settled the home side.
Just as they had earlier in the match, the Eagles had chances to put the game away, but could only extend their lead with behinds.
Goals in quick succession from Brad Brereton and Mannon Johnston cut the deficit to five heading into time-on as the Eagles were left wanting.
With the Tigers sensing an upset victory, the Eagles were unable to get clear shots for goal, with two shots from the boundary going out of bounds on the full.
The Tigers' moment came when a turnover in defence provided the visitors the ball before Jacobson was awarded a free kick. From 40 metres out, the kick initially looked like going wide, but the breeze pushed it through the big sticks.
Soon after, the siren signalled the start of the Tigers' celebrations and the Eagles thoughts of what might have been.
Daniel Musil and Ryan Tatterson were effective for the Tigers in attack, while Tim Ryan and Brandon Bailey contributed to their dominance of the centre. Simon Noy and Jack Brown led a solid Morwell defence.
David Adams, Andrew Petrou, Kel Porter, Winston Gieschen, Sam Pleming and Jackson Scott worked hard to get the Eagles back into the contest, while Darren Sheen kicked three goals.
In the end, it was small mistakes from the Eagles and a more determined Tiger line-up which added up to a one-point win for Morwell.
