THE GRAFTON Tigers have had a hard fought come from behind win against the Sawtell/Toormina Saints in their AFL North Coast match at Richardson Park.

Down by 14 at half-time, a strong second half from the visitors saw the Tigers finish with a 12.6 (78) to 8.8 (56) win against the Saints.

A strong start from the Saints saw the home side take a 25-point lead into quarter time, as their quick and direct play into their forward 50 had the Tigers under the pump.

The Tigers started to turn the tide in the second quarter to get themselves back in the match as their defence started to tighten up with the dynamic of the game changing into a more defensive and hard ball contest.

After closing the margin to 14 at the main break, the Tigers dominated the premiership quarter turning the game on its head.

The visitors asserted their authority on the contest with their pressure and physicality creating a number of scoring chances, outscoring the Saints 25-7 in the third to take a 4-point lead into the final quarter.

The Tigers continued their momentum into the fourth quarter with their determined defence and contested work troubling the Saints.

The Tigers’ tough tackling and pressure on the ball continued to lead to scoring opportunities, with a flurry of late goals seeing them earn a hard-fought 22-point victory.

The Saints head south to take on the Port Macquarie Magpies this weekend, while the Tigers are at home to the ladder leading Byron Bay Magpies.

By Aiden BURGESS