Tigers hit form to down Cooma
June 14th 2009-By Dave Evelyn
The first grade fixture between Premiers Eden and visitors Cooma started poorly for the locals when Cooma received a penalty in the first set of six, scored a try in their next set, and then received consecutive penalties for offside play in their next two possessions..The first half was punctuated with handling errors but Cooma seemed to be getting on top and with the weight of possession they were able to score again when Will Farua strolled over for an easy try adjacent to the posts. Salvestro added the extras and Cooma led 12-0. Eden continued to be their own worst enemies through poor passes, dropped ball and ordinary kicking. Cooma's Mike Kalopa intercepted one of the poor passes and sprinted 80 metres to score, and with Cooma leading 18-0 the local crowd had gone quiet.
They were soon roused when, just prior to half time, the evergreen Darren Griffin showed he still has a good turn of speed to race 80 meters and score the Tigers first try, which was converted from out wide by Todd Bolton.
Michael Thompson backed up in first grade after a strong game in the reserves and is shown here making a crucial tackle after Cooma made a break down the touchline. Michael Bell and Billy Michelin look on.
At the break Captain Coach Geercke urged his side not to panic, to respect possession and keep working hard in defence. The Tigers were immediately required to do some serious defence when Cooma went on the attack, put up a bomb which was touched by Eden, were given an extra tackle by the referee which allowed Eden's mercurial fullback Liam Wilkinson to intercept and run 95 metres to score under the posts. Bolton's conversion brought the Tigers right back into it at 18-12, however Cooma's lead was soon extended to ten when Fraser Hana scored out wide .
Brad Chatfield unloads after making a strong run. This great flick pass led to a try on the next play the ball. Brad was the Tigers best on Sunday and played a crucial role in the Tigers second half comeback.
With 20 minutes still to play the game was still in the balance and the Tigers visibly lifted their intensity. After two consecutive penalties to the home side, Eden mounted a determined attack which led to a try to the inspirational Tom Bell, who was very involved in attack and defence. The Bolton conversion was on line again, and the Tigers were only four behind. When Eden received the ball from the kick off some rousing forward charges saw play move quickly back into Cooma's half and when Dane Bamblett crashed through to score after only three tackles the match was locked up at 22 all with five minutes to play.
This time the Cooma defence manages to wrap Chatty up.
Both sides were looking for a territorial advantage and judicious kicking took the play from one end to the other, however when Cooma conceded a penalty for a high tackle Eden's attack swung into action and a brilliant run from Todd Bolton resulted in a try to Eden , which he duly converted to put the Eden side into the lead for the first time in the match.
When Eden regained the ball from the kick off it was safety first as the forwards hit the ball up solidly and the ensuing kick put play deep into the Cooma half. The visitors tried to keep the ball alive but desperate defence held them in check and the referee's final whistle had the crowd in raptures.
Todd Bolton cut back inside and forced his way over for the winning try. This was when the scores were locked at 22 all after Eden had come back from 18-0 nil down. Todd's try and conversion seen Eden run out winners 28-22.
The tigers victory showed great character when one recalls the pummelling we received in the earlier clash in Cooma, and augers well for a serious challenge for an unprecedented fourth title in 09. Tsai Tui made a welcome comeback to the Tigers side and will be a huge (literally) asset in the run in to the finals. Billy Michelin was strong, Rob Horton played his usual non stop game in defence and attack, CC Geercke played his best game of the year and Chatfield and Bamblett were a constant danger.
Next week we will face the premiership front runners Tathra in Tathra.