THE Grafton Tigers have won their second match in a row to start the year beating the Sawtell/Toormina Saints by 28 points during the latest round of the AFL North Coast season.

The Tigers earnt a hard fought 9.6 (60) to 4.8 (32) victory against the Saints in wet conditions at Richardson Park.

A five goal first quarter from the Tigers helped them get the jump on the Saints and give them a 31-point lead at quarter time, a lead they would not relinquish in the match.

The Tigers goal scoring would dry up as the Saints matched them over the next three quarters in an even contest, but couldn’t quite get on the goal scoring run needed for the comeback victory.

After giving up five goals in the first quarter, the Saints grinded it out in the wet conditions winning the territory battle in the second quarter but couldn’t create the necessary scoreboard pressure.

The Saints ramped up the defensive pressure shutting down the Tigers for much of the last three quarters.

The wet conditions made it tougher for clean ball use, as both sides showed tremendous commitment to the contest in a bruising encounter with big collisions and constant physical clashes, where the territory battle and the contested ball were crucial.

Saints coach Nic Morgan said he was pleased with the fighting spirit his players had shown.

“I’m bloody proud of the guys for their fight in the last three quarters, that’s for sure,” he said.

The AFL North Coast season continues this weekend with Round 6 matches scheduled in Woolgoolga and Grafton.

The Northern Beaches Blues host the Coffs Harbour Breakers, while the Grafton Tigers welcome the Port Macquarie Magpies.

Round 5 results

Sawtell/Toormina Saints v Grafton Tigers. Senior men: Tigers 9.6 (60) def. Saints 4.8 (32). Senior women: Saints 5.11 (41) def. Tigers 4.1 (25). Reserves: Tigers 9.9 (63) def. Saints 4.4 (28).

By Aiden BURGESS