Eden Tigers RLFC News Article

Reserves Lose To Bega

June 6th 2010 by Dave Evelyn

Eden reserve grade faced a daunting task against the Bega side, who dished out a heavy defeat to the Tigers in their first clash earlier in the competition. Coach Rowe had a full bench and the side was fired up to make amends in front of the Tigers faithful. Early exchanges were torrid and the defence from both sides was tested. A run by Matt Evelyn took the play to within 5 metres of the Bega line but in the ensuing set Bega made a mid field break and Jay Dixon scored for the visitors to take a 4-0 lead.In short time Bega received a penalty for a play the ball infringement and livewire hooker Goward scored out wide for the roosters to lead 8-0.Eden then enjoyed a series of sets in possession and finally capitalised on the possession when Matt Evelyn scored under the posts from a typical dummy half dart. When Tyrone Thomas converted the score was 8-6, and it remained that way to half time.
The Tigers defensive effort in the first period was outstanding, with Michael Thompson, James Cartright , Ian Smith and Nic Rowe deserving of special mention.
The second half opened disastrously for the home side with Eden conceding a try, scored by Bega's Jay Rose following a botched kick which falconed off the head of an Eden player gifting Bega a penalty .
The Eden boys would not give up, and relentless defence and fearless attack ensued. The game was in the balance at 14-6. If Eden had converted a couple of chances they might have been able to put more pressure on the Bega boys, but Bega enjoyed a glut of possession , two consecutive penalties and then scored a try after Eden turned over possession on the first tackle close to their own line to put the game out of reach for the Tigers.
Bega's Snowden scored another try following a Bega penalty and another dropped ball to take a 26-6 lead before Ian Smith scored a late try for Eden to bring the final score to 26-10.
This was a huge improvement from the side that was beaten 48-0 in their last encounter with Bega. For the Tigers Ian Smith was a standout, Mick Thommo, Jamie Mohammed, Graeme White, Carty, and Blake Russell were standouts although all the Tigers displayed great commitment and showed that they can, and will, compete with any side in the competition.