Two Blues lucky to escape with win

LACK of composure at crucial times in the last quarter prevented Kingborough from causing a massive upset over second-placed Lindisfarne yesterday.

Trailing by 31 points at the final change, having clung on all game, the Tigers booted the first two goals of the final term inside three minutes to reduce the margin to 19.

Riding the momentum wave, the home side was smashing last year's Regional League grand finalists in the middle, but repeated long balls forward were continually cut off by a resilient Two Blues defence.

When Tom Robinson ran into an open goal after 14 minutes for the visitors, order was restored before a Brodie Clark long bomb again gave the Tigers a sniff.

However, Lindisfarne piled on the last four majors in five minutes to seal a 18.15 (123) to 11.15 (81) win and entrench itself in second spot on the SFL ladder.

The margin didn't reflect the effort from the undermanned Tigers, who were missing key players Nathan Foale, Leigh Savage and Heath Collis.

But it certainly gave coach Adam Henley a glimmer of hope his side is not far away from matching the top teams in the league.

``We were having a go for each other today, we had chances in the last quarter to bring it to two goals but missed the opportunities,'' Henley said.

``They pushed some numbers back and we were struggling for talls but it probably was a little bit about composure late.

``In the end we worked hard for our goals and they got theirs a bit easier.''

Having lost only to unbeaten ladder leader New Norfolk, the Two Blues have stamped themselves as the second best side in the competition.

Now it is about fine-tuning their game before getting a second crack at the Eagles in the last round before the finals.

``It's really encouraging as a coach when you are put under the pump by a good side and you're able to respond like that,'' coach Daniel Willing said.

``Now it's about building momentum and being consistent.''

Dodges Ferry remains in third spot after edging out an inaccurate Huonville 12.10 (82) to 9.15 (69).

Cygnet prevailed by 27 points over Triabunna, Claremont defeated Sorell 27.10 (172) to 19.14 (128) and the Central Hawks overcame Brighton by 110 points, 23.10 (148) to 5.8 (38).