Eden Tigers RLFC News Article

Gutsy Tigers pipped in thriller

May 9th 2010 by Dave Evelyn

The Great Southern Inn First Grade Tigers took on the Tathra Sea Eagles in what proved to be a close and entertaining match. Play had barely got underway before Tathra stunned the home side with an early try to take a 4-0 lead. The Tigers put the early setback behind them and played solid football completing their sets and getting to the kick and when Billy Michelin , running out in the centres, stormed through to score a beauty under the posts Eden took the lead 6-4.
Tragedy struck from the kickoff when the high kick just missed the crossbar which led to fullback Tyrone Thomas spilling the ball ingoal, and from the ensuing goal line drop Tathra scored out wide to regain the lead 8-6.
Play resumed and fluctuated from end to end, with both sides completing and kicking effectively, but the defence held firm and at half time the visitors led 8-6 and the game was in the balance. All the Eden players put in, with perennial Neil Baker, Brad Chatfield and debutant Matt Evelyn giving their all. Captain Coach leigh Hennessy was inspirational in both attack and defence.The returning Tom Bell was also heavily involved and will be a great asset to the side.
The second half began poorly for the home side with two turnovers before Tathra five eighth Josh Finnucane, who was a constant threat to the Eden defence with his wide running and pinpoint passes to his outside backs, scored another unconverted try to take the Tathra side to a 12-6 lead.Next set Tathra were in again, this time a clever try from a kick through which was scored out wide by Reece Cunningham . With the score now 16-6 Tathra were looking to put the Tiger challenge to sleep, and when they scored another try after a penalty to extend their advantage to 20-6, most observers held little hope that the Tigers could come back.
However, the Tigers players had different ideas.
Tom Bell scored a good try to bring the Tigers back to 20-12, and as the Tathra defence seemed to be tiring Eden mounted some threatening attacks which were somehow repelled. Tathra strove to put the Tigers challenge to sleep but were frustrated by good defence, baker and Toby Timms being outstanding. Then, with ten minutes still remaining, Brad Chatfield scored and it was game on at 20-18.
The Tigers fans sensed there was a big chance for the locals to snatch a win and urged their team on, and despite a tight and absorbing battle where both sides used the kick to good effect, the Tigers were unable to crack the Sea eagles' defence and Tathra held on for a 20-18 win.
Credit goes to all the Players in what was a highly entertaining match. Next week we head up the mountains to take on Cooma. All supporters are urged to make the trip and support our boys in what will be another tough encounter.

Tigger