Eden Tigers RLFC News Article

Tiger Cubs gallant in defeat

August 30th 2009

Last Sunday the Eden Tigers Under 18's travelled to Tathra to take on the Tathra side in a match that would see one side progress to the Grand Final to play Bega, and the loser to drop out of the premiership race. The game started poorly for Eden with Tathra receiving a penalty in the first set for offside, then Eden turning over the ball on their first possession before Tathra scored the first try through Dean Finucane to take an early 4-0 lead.
Eden almost struck back straight away when Andrew Evelyn went tantalisingly close to snatching an intercept, but Tathra continued to dominate early possession and field position. The Eden defence held solid and when the ball was put deep into Tathra territory with the assistance of a strong breeze Eden levelled the scores when Tyrone Thomas scored after running the ball on the 5th tackle to burst over out wide. The try was not converted. Play then fluctuated from end to end with both sides having chances but poor handling and some torrid defence meant the scorers were not bothered until right on half time when Eden's Toby Timms stormed over for a try which was agin unconverted to give the young Tigers the lead at the break. Dylan Wheeler was heavily involved in attack and was making good yards every time he touched the ball. All our forwards were working hard in attack and defence, with Corey Stewart looking very dangerous pushing through gaps and looking to offload to supports. Chris Challinor and Matt Evelyn were doing plenty of work, Nic Rowe and Nick Swidruik were also playing big games, and Pixie Geraghty and Dylan Fletcher gave their usual 200%.Big Luke Brown was also outstanding and gave his all, as did John Kendall.
At half time coach Colin Clarke was very pleased with the side's efforts. They would be running into the breeze in the second half and so defence and possession were always going to be the priority.
The second half opened with Eden receiving a couple of penalties and Brad Johnston stamping his authority with a couple of punishing tackles. Tathra used the kick whenever they were in possession and this forced the Tigers to continually work the ball out from their own territory. Tathra scored the next try which was also converted and gave the home side a 10-8 lead. The game was tight and the defence was hard, but Eden's Chris Challinor brought the Eden supporters to their feet when he took an intercept and sprinted away from the defence to score Eden's third try again out wide and again unconverted. With the score at 12-10 to the Tigers and time running out a thrilling finish loomed.
Tathra received a penalty and went on the attack only to drop the ball, Eden had a chance to attack, and unable to crack the Tathra defence a field goal attempt went wide. From the ensuing 20m restart Tathra made good ground and scored a try which was converted to give them the lead 16-12. Tathra then received another penalty,got to their kick and scored another try right on the final whistle to make the final score 20-12.
Congratulations go to all the Eden boys for a gutsy effort on Sunday and over the whole season. Many games saw us with no reserves on the bench up against oppositions who had full benches.Our season may have lasted a week longer but for a decision by Group 16 to not allow two Pambula players to play for Eden, and force them to play for Tathra. They were Tathra's best players on Sunday.
We have had a successful season and many of our players have shown tremendous improvement over the season, which augers well for next year when Eden should have a very strong side in the 18's. Thanks to coach Colin Clarke who has done a great job with the side this year, and was ably supported by Sheldon Wykes, Dean Grant and Brian Rowe.
Tigger