LEETON-Whitton signalled they may be the early season front-runners as they exacted some revenge on Wagga Tigers on Saturday.
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The Crows backed up their impressive round one performance with a 26-point victory over Tigers in a fiery grand final rematch, winning 9.18 (72) to 6.10 (46) at Leeton Showground.
Less than a goal separated the two teams in last year’s Riverina League grand final and it again looked set to go down to the wire, as the Crows went into half-time with a narrow four-point advantage.
It was as close as Tigers got however as Leeton-Whitton broke the game open after the break.
While they were dreadfully inaccurate in front of goal, the Crows kicked 3.9 to one goal in the third term to establish a match-winning lead.
Leeton-Whitton captain-coach Jade Hodge said in no way was the round two victory any comfort for last year’s grand final heartbreak.
“As I said to our group today, there is no way you can put it down as any sort of redemption or revenge,” Hodge said.
There is no way you can put it down as any sort of redemption or revenge.
- Crows coach Jade Hodge
“At the end of the day, they got the ultimate prize last year.
“That’s one step for us today, winning that game, but at the end of the day, in the context of our season it means stuff all.”
It was Leeton-Whitton’s younger brigade that laid the platform for the win over Tigers.
Tyh Evans was sensational on a wing for the Crows, while fellow youngster Jameson Booth shone in defence.
Ben Curley was strong across half-back, while Bryce O'Garey was good for the Crows through the midfield.
Hodge believes the way his team is moving the ball is the biggest difference from last season.
“Last year, we were a very, very defensive side and tried to shut down at the contest,” he said.
“This year, we move the ball a lot better. Our ball movement and spread from the stoppage is really good and our young kids have got a lot to do with that.
“I’ve given them a licence to back themselves in, run and create, and we’re getting the ball inside 50 a lot quicker than we were last year.”
The game broke out in an all-in melee at half-time, proving there is no love lost between the two teams.
It was Tigers’ first loss since July last year and Hodge warned not to write them off.
“They were still very, very good. They moved the footy very well and they’re still going to be right up there.”