Reserves Show Potential Against Cobargo
Eden 14 Cobargo 34

July 17th 2011 by Dave Evelyn

The Tigers reserve grade side faced up to the strong Cobargo lineup at Tathra last weekend. Again the side was undermanned but several younger players ( and one older one...) were conscripted into the side and represented their club with distinction. The side got off to a fine start when Eden received an early penalty and Ben Holding delighted the onlookers with a spectacular leap to take an astute Joe Stewart kick and score. The Tigers were matching it in attack and defence with the experienced opposition, and it wasn't until half way through the first stanza that the Eels struck back with a converted try to take a 6-4 lead.

15 year old Joe Stewart is an enormous talent who mesmerised the Cobargo defence and scored a superb try in his senior debut on Sunday.

The courageous Tigers continued to pressure the opposition until Eden were on the attack when the ball shifted to Joe Stewart, who mesmerised the defence with speed, stepping and swerving past several defenders to score a spectacular try. Although unconverted, the try put Eden back in the lead.

As play continued a couple of crucial decisions went against the Tigers, with a 40/20 by the Tigers being controversially ignored, and then a 40/20 by Cobargo which clearly went into touch outside the 20 being granted. Cobargo scored off the next set and at half time took a 12-8 lead into the sheds.

The second half continued the tight tussle before the break. Corey Walker, Matt Evelyn, Jock Owen and Dylan Wheeler were working very hard, whilst Kevin "Bambi" Campbell making a welcome return to the playing ranks was also causing some havoc in attack and defence . Both sides were completing their sets and play was moving from end to end before the Tigers began to tire. Cobargo scored three quick tries as they began to dominate possession and in the blink of an eye it was 28-8. Eden received a welcome penalty to go on the attack and Captain Matt Evelyn scored next to the posts to bring the score to 28-14. Cobargo's Daniel Allen capped off a great game to score his third try and bring the final score to 34-14.

The Tigers were beaten on the score board but were definitely not disgraced. Again we matched it with the best side but lack of condition and a few reserves cost us dearly. We are in the semi finals and the side can make an impression in the finals if we get everyone to training.

Eden's best were Corey Walker, Matt and Andrew Evelyn ,Jock Owen and Dylan and Reece Wheeler. Jock in particular put in a grand effort and was inspirational. Joe Stewart and Andrew Love made their senior debuts and played with distinction.