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Plucky reserves down in thriller
Eden 24 Tathra 30
June 3rd 2012 by Dave Evelyn
The Eden tigers reserve grade side put up a game effort in a close encounter with the Tathra Sea Eagles last Sunday at a wet and miserable Sunday afternoon. The Tigers are definitely buildi9ng a competitive side with several new players giving the side a welcome boost in depth. Coach Corey Walker was in the fortunate position of having a full bench with some players not available. The match started in a scrappy fashion with both sides struggling to control possession in the wet conditions.. Chris Challinor went very close to scoring in the early stages before Eden hooker Matt Evelyn punched through the defence to touch down. Aaron Aldridge and Ben brumby featured in early exchanges along with new player Travis Blackburn. The afternoon was brightened by the return of Tony Banks to the tigers ranks. He will prove to be a great asset to the club as we get to the business end of the season.
Tathra were awarded a penalty and despite great defensive effort from the tigers Arthur Coffee scored for the visitors and the Dixon conversion levelled the scores. Eden were awarded a penalty and Matt Evelyn sliced through the middle of the ruck to score his second try and put the tigers back in the lead 12-6. The last eight minutes of the half left the crowd stunned as Tathra seemingly changed gears and scored three quick tries to go to the break leading 22-12. Coach Corey Walker was happy with his sides effort for 30 minutes of the half, but lamented the three quick tries we conceded before the break. The keys to a Tigers recovery were holding possession in the wet conditions and moving up in defence.
The second half started poorly for the home side with two early turnovers before Dixon scored again for Tathra to increase their lead to 26-12.But just when it looked as though Tathra had the match firmly in their grasp the Tigers displayed great character to come storming back into the match. Ben Brumby charged over for the first try, followed shortly after by a good try to Andrew Love. The Heasman conversions brought the score to 26-24 and it was game on!Play fluctuated from end to end but both defences held firm.Then, in the last play of the match Tathra put a kick through the defence and Chris parker touched down to give Tathra a fortunate 30-24 win.
It was a vastly improved performance from the Tigers and with some more time together training and playing this side will gel into a very competitive unit. It is almost impossible to nominate individuals for mention as all players put in big efforts, but Ben and Jake Brumby , Travis Blackburn, Matt Evelyn and Elvis Tui had big games. Tony Banks and Dan Bell( until injured) were also effective.No game next week, but the following week we will be at home to Narooma.
Tigger