Tigers Crush Gummy Sharks
Moruya 46 Eden 38

July 4th 2010 by Dave Evelyn

In a display that sent an ominous message to all other title contenders , the Tigers put the Moruya Sharks to the sword in spectacular fashion last Sunday in Moruya. The game was only minutes old when Eden went on the attack. Evergreen Neil Baker was prominent in early play and laid on a wonderful offload which led to the first try to Eden scored by Brad Chatfield.. A slick backline move led to the next try scored by Toby Timms, who is proving to be a great asset to the side. A try to Moruya's PJ Marsh put the Sharks on the board and back into contention at 10-6.

Billy Michelin made several big runs and was tireless in defence. Baker, Marcus Shearer, Tommy Lynch, Chatfield and Dane Bamblett were dominant. Every time Todd Bolton got the ball he threatened the defence.

Billy Michelin made several big runs and was tireless in defence.

Eden had several chances to score again but handling errors let them down until Laurence Bamblett burst through the defence from close range to extend the lead to 22-6. To their credit Moruya were still giving their all and Cameron Andy scored a good try. The outgunned home side were tiring and Eden scored two tries within two tackles- the first by Mick Wykes after a well anticipated intercept, and the second to Todd Bolton after a good run by Dane. At the break Eden had run up a 34-10 lead.

With CC Leigh Hennesy unavailable Neil Baker deputised and delivered a rousing half time message urging the team to carry on with the job in the second half.

Moruya scored the first try of the second half when Brett Aitkin scored, and the conversion took them to 34-16 and raised faint hopes of a Moruya resurgence, but that was not to be. The Tigers mobile forwards and skilful backs were simply too good. Toby Timms scored his second after a good burst, then Dane scored a well deserved try.. The old guard of Billy Michelin and Todd Bolton combined to send wily veteran Darren Griffin over the line. Billy Michelin was next over the line after an awesome burst saw a couple of defenders slightly reticent to get involved in tackling him. In the very strong wind the conversions from out wide were very difficult, with the last 4 tries being unconverted. When Dane crossed for his second again the kick went wide, but by now the Tigers had opened up a 54-16 lead.

Dylan Fletcher came on to make his first grade debut, and made an immediate impact setting up a nice try for Ian Smith and then converting the try. Next set Dylan threw a lovely pass to the marauding Mick Wykes who crossed for his second. Dane finished the scoring and capped an excellent match when he crossed for his third.

This was another very strong performance from the Tigers, who haven't lost a game in the last couple of months and are now in a position to secure a home semi final with a victory in their last match at home in a fortnight against Narooma. Everyone in the team is giving their all and playing for each other. With that type of commitment, a high level of fitness and abundant skills across the paddock the Tigers are looking very strong.

While there is no first grade match next week the reserves and under 18's will be playing Pambula at Eden. The 18's need to win one of their last two games to make the finals, so all you Tigers fans get down to George Brown Oval next Sunday to support the boys, who are a real chance of winning the coveted under 18 title that has eluded the Tigers for 15 years.