The Tigers won 12.7 (79) to 9.8 (62) last Saturday  in the first meeting of the clubs since Norths’  bruising semi-final victory en-route to the grand final last season. 

 Bomaderry knocked Norths out of the 2013 finals and Forsyth was rapt with his side’s performance against a fellow flag contender.

‘‘Everyone contributed, we didn’t have a passenger,’’ Forsyth said.

  ‘‘It was tough, pressure footy. We willed ourselves to every contest, made every kick accountable and we able to wear them down and give our forwards a chance.

‘‘You know what you get from Bomo with their hardness and competitiveness.

‘‘Early on they opened us up a bit but once we put more pressure on around the midfield, we won a few contests and that set it up for us.

 ‘‘The backline was magnificent and the midfield pressure was what we wanted.’’

In a four quarter dogfight, Northern Districts led by nine points at halftime, though the visitors had two more scoring chances.

 With Norths’ midfield lifting after quarter-time the home side were able to hold onto a three to four goal lead through a tight second half.

 Nick Pugh  and Brad Hanlon were standouts in the backline, while lightly-framed onballer  Brendan Mills was an inspiration, throwing himself into every contest and taking a great mark over a much bigger opponent.

 Norths have rebounded from a first-up loss to Wollongong Lions to beat Nowra and Bomaderry, while Bomaderry (1-2) have suffered back-to-back tight defeats, following an eight point defeat to Shellharbour in round four.

  Forsyth is looking forward to the grand-final rematch against Wollongong Bulldogs on Saturday  at Keira Oval.

 ‘‘They’re a really good side. But we know if our tackling and pressure is right we can match it with anyone.’’  

Also in round five, Nowra Blues improved to a  2-2 win/loss record with a hard-fought 8.12 (60) to 6.8 (44) win over Shellharbour Suns at West Street Oval. 

Jayden Cook, Grant Herron and Liam Walsh booted two goals each for Nowra, who led by just three points at halftime.

Finally, premiers Wollongong Bulldogs were pushed hard in a tough 10.6 (66) to 6.5 (41) away win over Kiama on Saturday night. 

 Charlie Wood booted two goals for a very competitive Kiama, with the clubs playing for the inaugural Paul Doherty Cup.

Ladder: Wollongong Bulldogs 6, Wollongong Lions 6, Northern Districts 4, Nowra 4, Bomaderry 4, Shellharbour 4,  Kiama 0.