Eden Tigers RLFC News Article

RESERVE GRADE RUN HOT

July 11th 2010 by Dave Evelyn

The John Michelin and Sons sponsored Tigers reserve grade side fronted up to take on Tathra last Sunday. It was a strong side on paper and that promise was fulfilled early in proceedings when Ian Smith showed class to split the defence and pass to full back Tyrone Thomas who scored out wide. Tyrone missed the conversion, but was more successful with his attempt after the next try, a long range affair scored by Nick Smith, who showed good speed and footwork to out pace the opposition defence.

The Eden side were completing their sets and getting good kicks in. The return of the prodical Grant boys - Will and AJ, was appreciated by all present except the Tathra runners who felt the impact of some big hits. Mick Thompson was also heavily involved, and Matt Evelyn worked tirelessly in defence and made several incisive breaks from dummy half.

In short time Tyrone Thomas scored his second out wide to take Eden to a 14-0 lead. Tathra scored their first try on the back of a penalty, but it wasn't converted. Next , Eden halfback (?) Ian Smith, who appeared to be toying with the opposition, chipped through, regained and scored a classic try. Tyrone's conversion took Eden to a 20-4 lead.

Tathra scored a try with a dummy half charge after another Tathra penalty., and the successful kick took the score to 20-10. The last try of the first half was scored by Tyrone Thomas after a huge run by Marcus Shearer, and at 26-10 to the Tigers the teams took a well earned break.

The second half saw some strong defence from both sides, but Eden were first to control possession for a couple of sets and Ian Smith soon crossed for his second try. The penalty count was mounting again against the Tigers but their defence was inspirational, and then when Tyrone Thomas scored his fourth try and converted it, the Tigers were looking safe at 38-10.

Ian Smith scored his third try in the next set, but it was unconverted. Tyrone Thomas then scored try number 5, converted and brought the score to 48-10. A good late try to Tathra brought the final score to 48-16.

This was the best performance by the Tigers reserve grade side this season, and if they can keep playing in this form they will test all the other sides in the competition. But the immediate challenge at hand is to get everyone to training and prepare for a big effort against Cooma at home next weekend.