Eden Tigers RLFC News Article

TIGERS JUGGERNAUT ROLLS ON

July 11th 2010 by Dave Evelyn

A good crowd of Eden supporters travelled to Tathra to urge on the Tigers in an important clash with the Sea Eagles. The Tigers have run into good form - after losing their first few games the side have won their last three matches and looked very good in doing so.

Proceedings got off to a shocking start when Eden spilled the ball with the line wide open in the second minute of the game. To make matters worse, Tathra's Jared Moorehead scored off the ensuing set after a kick through was regathered and Tathra took an early 6-0 lead. In the very next set Tathra scored again when Clay Ryan touched down. The conversion by Josh Finnucane took them to a 12-0 lead.

The Tigers regained composure and began doing the simple things right, completing and kicking. When Eden received a penalty for lifting in the tackle the ball went wide to the left wing where Ian Smith, fresh from scoring three tries in reserve grade, touched down again to put the Tigers on the scoreboard and lift the flagging spirits of their supporters.

Those positive vibes were quickly snuffed out when Tathra scored again after another penalty, and the alarm bells were ringing with Tathra having taken a 18-4 lead. In very short time the Tigers struck back with a try to wily veteran Neil Baker. The Todd Bolton conversion brought the Tigers back into the game at 18-10. Just when it seemed the Tigers had shrugged of their early malaise Tathra scored another relatively soft try to take a 22-10 lead.

On the last play before half time Eden went on the attack and captain coach Leigh Hennessy burst through the defence and turned a great ball to Laurence Bamblett who scored a nice try which brought the score back to Tathra 22 Eden 16.

There was no panic in the Tigers huddle at the break, with CC Hennessy stressing that if the side did the simple things right- hold possession, get to kicks, don't miss tackles- that they would finish on top.

The second half began and immediately it was apparent that Matt Bell was looking to get more involved, running to the line and putting in several good kicks. Marcus Shearer was also making good inroads into the Tathra defence, and will definitely be a big asset to the side in the future as he regains full match fitness. Marcus was integral in the next try, scored by Billy Michelin next to the posts, which brought the scores level. In the next set Ian Smith crossed for another Eden try which took the Tigers into the lead for the first time at 26-22.

With the match in the balance both sides lifted in intensity in the struggle for supremacy until a dropped ball by Tathra saw Eden go on the attack and Ian Smith scoring another try after an astute kick from Matt Bell. The Bolton conversion took Eden to a ten point lead. Three sets later livewire hooker Laurence Bamblett was rewarded for an outstanding game when he sliced through for the last try, which was converted by the wily veteran.

The Tigers are playing with purpose and commitment, and this latest win takes them to third on the premiership ladder behind Bega and Cooma, however both those sides must be looking over their shoulders as the Tiger juggernaut rolls forward. This Sunday all roads lead to George Brown Oval Eden for the match against Cooma , which will be a beauty. The club urges all Tigers fans to come down and support the three grades as they surge towards the finals. Under 18's will start at 11.30, reserves 1.00pm and first grade at 2.30.