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Tigers Beaten by Narooma
Eden 30 Narooma 42
August 5th 2012 by Dave Evelyn
The Great Southern Inn Eden Tigers suffered a disappointing loss to the Narooma Devils last Sunday in Eden. Just when it appeared the side was building momentum for a serious challenge for another title this season the Narooma side brought the Tigers right back to earth. And that was after Narooma had a player sent from the field after about 15 minutes of the first half, and Eden winning the penalty count 8-3.
Despite Narooma scoring the first try of the match, things seemed to be going to plan when Ben Holding burst over for Eden's first try, and the Smith conversion tied the scores. Narooma hit back straight away with a typical bustling try to Todd Wright which too them out to 12-6. Narooma then spilled the kick off and gave the Tigers another chance which they capitalised on when hooker Matt Evelyn scooted through to score an unconverted try. The Tigers seemed to be gaining ascendancy and after a series of penalties to the home side Jai Tinson scored a good try to put the Tigers back in the lead. Just before the break Tinson was in for his second after good lead up from Smith and Dylan Wheeler. The Smith conversion put Eden in front 20-12 at the break.
It all appeared to be going to plan and captain Coach Leigh Hennessy was fairly happy with the sides performance at half time. The game had only recommenced for a minute before Eden scored again through brilliant young five eighth Joe Stewart.The Smith conversion put the Tigers firmly in control at 26-12. Narooma hit back almost immediately with Justin Keegan CROSSING FOR A CONVERTED TRY. Both sides seemed to detect that this game was far from over, and the game became akin to trench warfare with both sides completing and kicking in the blustery conditions. Narooma were next to score with Keegan crossing for his second try to bring the devils to within two points. Eden centre Chris Challinor scored a spectacular try for the premiers after great lead up work by Leigh Hennessy, Greg Nicholson and Matt Evelyn to put the Tigers in the lead 30-24.
Almost immediately Narooma scored again with K.Burnell scoring near the posts, and the successful conversion tied up the scores at 30-30 with about 13 minutes to go. Eden bombed what looked to be a certain try and then poor handling gave Narooma possession which they duly converted into points with Kane Ayres scoring the try and Robinson converting. Within minutes the visitors had scored again to take the final score to 42-30. This was a very disappointing result for the Tigers, but all who watched the match would have to admire the way the Narooma boys stuck to their task even when they were a man down for most of the match. They played a very controlled game and stuck to their plan best for the Tigers were Baker, Nicholson, Michelin and Holding, while Matt Evelyn was heavily involved in both attack and defence.The Tigers will travel to Narooma to play again this weekend ( due to a washed out game earlier in the season) and will need to come up with something a bit special to get over the top of a very well drilled Narooma side.
Tigger