Northern Football League

A six goal to two last term by Heidelberg paved the way for a thrilling 15 point win in Rivalry Round of the Division 1 NFL Season. North Heidelberg will be ruing missed opportunities, whereas the Tigers will feel very lucky to escape with the points after a lethargic looking performance.

With Dean Haydock out of the side, the job on Shane Harvey was given to Jake Williams, and this seemed to distract the visitors with Shaun Ryan getting the first major a couple of minutes in. Jarrod King was dominating across half back, with Dave Florence dropping into the hole, putting a halt to several Tiger attacks. Captain Jason Dean got the host's second, but Brad Eaton got one back for the Tigers to keep them within four points at the first break.

Heidelberg coach, Phil Plunkett, ensured his team had to be smarter when entering the forward 50. He also made sure his troops needed to win the contested footy so they could take the game.

Jess Sinclair got the quick opener for the hosts with the quarter a quick and intense one. Jake Williams, Shane Harvey's direct opponent, got another on the board for the visitors to extend the lead, but Harvey himself got a goal on the board to cut the visitor's lead down to only 10 points.

North Heidelberg turned up a gear in the third term with a quick goal from Trent Scannell. The hosts started to get the home crowd into the game and took the lead through Billy McClintock. The hosts held a seven point lead at the last change. 

Doggies' coach, Paul Tilley, wanted his side to stick to the game plan that had served them well. He also wanted to make sure the Tigers showed them some respect by ensuring they got the job done in the last.

With Blair Harvey and Ty Zantuck out early in the last stanza, the odds were stacked against the Tigers, but ex-AFL players, Jess Sinclair and Anthony Franchina, got the lead back for the visitors within the first three minutes. Springy Nicholas Miller extended his side's lead with another goal, but Shane Harvey got one back for the hosts and it looked as if he was going to take the game by the throat. A goal from Leigh Gray shortened the margin yet again, but goals from Franchina and Justin Murphy iced the game for the Tigers.

Final scores North Heidelberg 10.12 (72) to Heidelberg 12.15 (87)

In a low scoring game by these side's standards, the 'usuals' for the Doggies found the big sticks, with Shaun Ryan and Shane Harvey getting two goals a piece. Sinclair and Franchina also got two a piece for the Tigers. Brad Eaton dominated all around the ground and was certainly best on.

Both sides have a week off, and then the Tigers host Greensborough and North Heidelberg host Northcote Park in a crucial game for the Doggies.