The U13's go into Saturday's Grand Final as underdogs but they have the weapons and desire to cause an upset if the team is switched on.
There is not a great deal separating the two teams with Como having 7 wins over the season to the Tigers 6 and Como having a +184 points difference to the Tigers +139. Both teams are close in the points scored column with Como just shading the Tigers by 16 points, however, it's the points against column were we see a difference, with Como conceding 45 points fewer than the Tigers. This is where the game will be won or lost at the weekend, with the Tigers needing to find a way through Como's defensive line if they want to be crowned Premiers.
In round 8 the Como Crocs defeated the Tigers 26-4 in a dominant display. The score line doesn't tell the full story with the Tigers in the game for long periods but just unable to pierce Como's defensive line. The U13's certainly have enough flair and speed to break through the Como defence and it will largely depend on whether they have enough self-belief to do so.
In recent weeks the Tigers have set up convincing victories against Aquinas 42-12 and Gymea 44-6 through some strong forward play, consistently piercing through the defence to set-up runners to score. Running hard and running straight will make a big difference this weekend as it will allow the Tigers skilful centres to profit from space and gaps as well as allowing the speedsters to get more opportunity to get around the defence.
This promises to be a tight yet entertaining game and regardless of Saturdays' result the U13's deserve plenty of plaudits, as the 2020 squad has been completely re-built from the previous season. In fact 7 new players have joined the club and right until the first game of the season, we were unsure whether we could even field a team.
Tommy the Tiger predicts a close game and an upset victory to the Tigers winning 22-14 in a tight contest.
