Eden Tigers Brand Sun

New Generation Juniors First Up Win
Eden 24 Tathra 20

The Eden Tigers under 18 squad travelled to Tathra last weekend for the much anticipated season opener against the Sea Eagles. It soon became apparent that the task at hand was significant, the Tigers starting the match with twelve players while the home side had a full bench of 17.

The undoubted skill and class of the Tigers came to the fore early in the game before the inevitable fatigue saw them struggle towards the tail end of the game. The highlight of the early exchanges was some fierce forward exchanges with Edens Jessie Giggins, Jake "Thumbsy" Young and new and impressive Mallacoota import Jamie McLeod laying strong foundations before Thumbsey scored his and the team's first try. Eden were dominating possession, field position and receiving a steady flow of penalties, and it was simply a matter of time before elusive hooker Aaron Aldridge sliced through the line to score the Tigers second.

The next generation of the Aldridge family's incredible footballing talent was evident at Tathra on Sunday. Shown above stretching out to score a try is 16 year old Aaron Aldridge, who starred in the Tigers win and is set for a big footballing future. Aaron mesmerized the defence at hooker while cousin Shaquille also played a starring role at fullback.

Young Joe Stewart showed why he is so highly rated by many observers with a splendid performance in attack and defence, and he was rewarded for his efforts with the next Eden try. Dylan Fletcher comfortably converted all three tries and Eden held a commanding 18-0 lead. Penalties at this stage were 5-0 to the Tigers.

As half time loomed the Tigers were showing signs of fatigue and a bad mistake in a scrum saw Tathra receive a penalty and score off the ensuing play to take the half time score to 18-4 to the Tigers.

Corey Stewart was a proud coach at half time and he exhorted his charges to keep up the outstanding effort of the first half. The Tathra side came out from the break fired up and the match developed into an arm wrestle before inspirational Eden captain Dylan Fletcher ran on to a clever quick play the ball from Andrew Evelyn to slice through and score. His conversion took Eden to a 24-4 lead and what appeared to be a match winning lead.

The Tathra boys had different ideas, and as the Eden side began to tire they lifted in a desperate surge to snatch an unlikely victory. With 15 minutes to go Eden led 24-4. When Thumbsey was sin binned for ten minutes the Tathra side grabbed three quick tries and with only a couple of minutes left the score was 24-20. However the Tigers played smart secure football to see them grab a very meritorious 24-20 victory.

Special mention to Andrew Love, Joe Stewart, Aaron and Shack who come up from the 16's, and welcome to our new players Jamie McLeod and Brad Elton who both had very strong debuts.

Next week we are off to Cooma to take on the Stallions. Training Tuesday and Thursday.

Emerging superstar Joe Stewart looking to pass with Shaquille Aldridge looming in support.