Defensive running was the focus for the Buffaloes, in what proved to be a physical encounter at Legend Oval on Saturday.

Tigers held a marginal five-point advantage at the first break, before Buffaloes broke clear in the second term.

Buffaloes kicked 33-3 in a decisive second quarter, to boast a comfortable 42-17 halftime lead.

Tigers found their grove again the third term, as both teams could only muster nine-points apiece in what turned into a gritty arm wrestle.

Holding sway by 25-points at the final change, Buffaloes were determined not to repeat last weekend's catastrophic fourth quarter collapse.

Tigers finished strongly to kick three goals to Buffaloes two, as Buffs registered their second victory of the year, 65-46.

James Page kicked three goals and Charlie Johnstone added two, while Nicholas Aberline and Bradley Fleming were the multiple goal scorers for Tigers.

Buffaloes' coach Brad Nunn praised the team's ability to translate elements preached at practice into match-day.

"Our defence played well, I was very happy with the two-way running, we attacked well but we also defended really well coming back the other way," he said.

"It was a very good four quarter effort, we're still missing a few blokes but I was very pleased with our game. The Tigers should also be very pleased with their performance...I know they were also missing a few big names.

"It was nice to have two games on the Saturday with a full contingent of 18 players on the field."

Nunn said the win came from an all round team effort, with all players contributing and doing the job required of them.

"Craig Kelmar who has come down from north Cairns had a great game today running out of defence," Nunn said.

"Big Mick Beekhuizen played well, Blake Cowley had a blinder from the back line and big Jarred Houston provided a big marking target up front.

"Ryan Nunn played well through midfield despite a heavy tag and Sean Williams also rucked very well."

Theon Raffaldi and Andrew Stuart ran hard all day for rapidly improving Tigers.

Nunn and the Buffaloes take on Lake Nash Young Guns next weekend, while Tigers face Rovers.

Pictures: KATE GLOVER/7433