TURNOVERS proved costly in the Colac Tigers’ 59-point loss to Newtown and Chilwell in Geelong Football League.

The Tigers matched the Eagles through the midfield but failed to impact the scoreboard until late in the 12.5 (77) to 21.10 (136) loss.

Tigers coach Matt Gibson said Newtown and Chilwell capitalised on his teams turnovers, booting five of the first six goals.

“They got the jump on us early scoreboard-wise, and it was a bit of an arm wrestle after that I suppose, but I think they just got their goals a little easier than we did,” he said.

“Our defence was pretty sound I thought, it was just that transition when we did turn it over, they spread well and pushed up pretty hard.

“We’re trying to do the same thing, work on our ability to win the ball back then play transition footy.”

VFL footballer Jarryn McCormack returned for the Tigers and played a role in the Elderslie Reserve match, while talls Shane Theodore and Lochie Veale helped peg back the margin late.

Gibson also praised midfielder David Dunne for winning a lot of 50-50 contests.

“It was pleasing in the end that we were able to kick six in the last quarter, and get a little respectability back,” he said.

“The end result was a bit disappointing, but I thought our endeavour was really good, you couldn’t question them on that.

“I think we just lost it from those turnovers.”

Dean Felekos, Jake Carmody and Ryan Monaghan all kicked two goals for the Tigers while former Geelong Cat and St Kilda footballer Ryan Gamble led all forwards with three goals for the Eagles.

“Newtown and Chilwell were reasonably impressive, they moved the ball well, they were just a bit more polished than us,” Gibson said.

“In saying that we should be able to match it with those guys, we just need to work on our polish bringing the ball forward,” he said.

A hamstring injury to James Morgan in the first quarter soured the loss for the Tigers, who were already without Russell Whiteford, strained hamstring.

Gibson said he was pleased that utility Kaden Newton made a successful return from an ankle injury in the Tigers’ reserves.

Meanwhile, St Marys moved two spots into the top five after its big win over undefeated South Barwon, Leopold defeated Grovedale, St Albans outclassed Geelong West St Peters, third-placed Bell Park defeated North Shore and St Josephs toppled Lara 17.11 (113) to 6.12 (48).

St Josephs and Lara were facing off yesterday when the Colac Herald went to print.