Eden Tigers Brand Sun

Reserves fight back falls short

May 23rd 2010 by Dave Evelyn

The Tigers reserves were fired up for the local derby against the Bulldogs last Saturday, but their enthusiasm appeared misplaced when Pambula received consecutive penalties in the opening 5 minutes for high tackles and duly scored the first try. From the resumption Pambula received another 2 consecutive penalties and scored their second, and then scored again from the restart and took an imposing 16 - 0 lead.
The Tigers regrouped and after a Bulldogs mistake Ian Smith scored a good try which was converted by Nic Rowe and the score was back to 16-6. Pambula received another 2 consecutive penalties to be on the attack, but when Eden gained possession the flying Mick Schelfhout touched down to bring the Tigers within striking distance at 16-12.A strong Ian Smith run again put Eden on the attack and Laurence bamblett sliced through to score and miraculously the Eden boys had grabbed the lead at the break 18-16.
The second half began scrappily with both sides turning the ball over, before a Pambula kick was knocked on and the Dogs scored from the ensuing set.Exactly the same thing happened shortly after when another spilled kick let Pambula in for a try to take a 24-18 lead. Pambula then received two more consecutive penalties and kicked the penalty goal to take an 8 point lead. Ablatant strip by a Pambula player waent unnoticed by the officials and led to a late Pambula try and a 30-18 lead. Eden scored a late consolation try by Nick Smith to bring the final score to 30-24.
For the Tigers Ian Smith and Bambi were outstanding but all the boys gave everything. Blake Russell played well in the unaccustomed role of fullback.
The Tigers ressies have showed that they can match it with any opposition, but lapses of concentration and taking wrong options at times is costing them.