Eden Tigers RLFC News Article

Tiger Cubs courageous in defeat

August 10th 2009

The Tiger Cubs faced off against the high flying undefeated Bega Roosters side at Bega on Sunday.
The match was always going to be tough but the first 25 minutes was harder than anyone expected with the Bega side totally dominating possession, receiving the first five penalties in quick succession and scoring five tries to take a 30-0 lead.
We all knew Bega were a good side but what appeared to be an extraordinary number of completely baffling decisions from the match officials stymied any hope of Eden being competitive in the first stanza, and ultimately in the match.
When the shell shocked Tigers did finally get some possession they settled down and played some very good football. Corey Stewart crashed through towards the end of the half to put Eden on the board, and Tyrone Thomas added the extras. The score remained at 30-6 at half time but there were some encouraging signs as the Tigers showed great character and never stopped trying.
In a welcome return to the side Luke Brown was heavily involved hitting the ball up fearlessly and giving his all in defence. Big John Kendall is maturing as a footballer every game and played his best game so far, while Dylan Wheeler , Corey Stewart and Nick Rowe were also working very hard. In fact, at half time coach Col Clarke congratulated every player for their huge effort under very testing circumstances.

Under all that Matt Evelyn has scored another try

The Eden boys ran out after the break determined to put it to their fancied rivals, and (surprisingly) were awarded three penalties in quick succession before Bega were given another one which led to their next try and a 36-6 lead.
But still the Tigers wouldn't lie down.Under 16's Dylan Fletcherand Andrew Evelyn were having very strong games, and fellow 16 Jake Young played possibly his best game ever, proving very sound in defence and doing lots of hard running in attack. Pixie Geraghty gave his usual 100%, and Chris Challinor also gave his all for the whole match. Nick Swidruik also did some very good work in attack and defence, and Toby Timms also got through a mountain of defence and continually worried the defence when Eden were in possession.
Inspirational captain Matt Evelyn was beginning to find room up the middle, and was rewarded with Eden's second try from a dart from dummy half.The Thomas conversion brought the score back to 36-12. Unfortunately Bega scored one more try to take the final score to 42-12.
To put things in their correct perspective, after the opening onslaught , Eden equalled their opponents in every facet of the game, and hopefully will get a chance for revenge at some time in the finals. The fact that nine different players were nominated for the Player's Player award showed the effort that so many players put in. Well done lads!
Next week we travel to Cooma to play a semi final against the Stallions, so if you're planning to travel to support the Tigers make sure you get there for the 11.30 kick off.