THE Tasman Roosters recorded their first win of the season at Ravendale on Saturday afternoon, defeating Lincoln South by 14 points.
In what turned out to be a low-scoring dour struggle, it was the Roosters who were in control when it mattered most.
Tasman started the game well through the likes of Ross Campbell in the centre and McKinlay off half back getting plenty of the ball.
Jarred Christian was mobile across half forward and created opportunities, one resulting in a Campbell snap goal that gave Tasman the early lead, but King replied from long range and when McEvoy was rewarded for his good work with a goal after the quarter time siren, the Eagles had wrestled back the lead and early momentum.
The Roosters made their move early in the second with Christian again prominent with an early mark and goal. Several missed attempts followed, leaving the coaching staff frustrated but the ever reliable James steadied the ship with a goal before half time and an upset was on the cards as the home side went in with an eight-point advantage.
North was moved to the ruck and this gave Lincoln South some positive drive as the likes of King, Story and McEvoy then came into the game.
The Eagles were to score the only goal for the term as both sides' defences were holding strong and goals were at a premium.
The last term started well for the Roosters with McKinlay running onto a loose ball and kicking truly. This would prove to be the last goal for the game as Tasman then peppered away at the goals to register only seven points in a row.
Supporters were on the edge of their seats as the Roosters were looking for that goal to seal the game, but it was not needed as Lincoln South continually turned over the ball when they went forward and didn't look like bothering the scoreboard.
The Eagles' run had stopped and when they did go forward they faced a committed backline that played in front all day, giving the opposition no latitude.
The Tasman players were harder at the contests with Masters, James, McKinlay and Christian leading the way in that department to see the Roosters home, much to the delight of their faithful supporters.
Raikiwasa was arguably best on ground; he continually repelled the opposition attacks and set up team-mates up the field for the victors. Jarred Christian was a solid contributor all day while McKinlay and Campbell were good, especially in the first half.
Masters added good support in the midfield and Gill held his own in the ruck in the absence of number one ruckman Stoll.
For Lincoln South, King was constructive with precision ball use, North and Kemp, sharing the rucking duties, had some good moments, while Jericho and Rodda were honest contributors.
Tasman thoroughly deserved the win for a committed effort for four quarters. The margin should have been more given their dominance late, but all in all there would be a few relieved people around the club as they are a lot better side that their win loss ratio indicates.
This may be the wake-up call Lincoln South need if they are to push the top two sides in the next couple of weeks, but based on this performance it is hard to see it happening.
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