Eden Tigers Brand Sun

Tigers round off trials in style

April 7th 2013 by Dave Evelyn

The Great Southern Inn Eden Tigers enjoyed a final trial match against Tathra last Sunday in the final match of an action packed day of Rugby League at George Brown Oval.The first grade contest started badly for Tathra when Eden's fullback Dylan Fletcher scored on the end of a good backline move. The Smith conversion was off line but Eden led 4-0 and took that lead right through to the half time break. Eden's defence was tested again and again as they turned possession over on early tackles on a regular basis- the completion rate for the Tigers was an abysmal 4/12, but Tathra couldn't break the defence.Captain Coach Nicholson was unimpressed with his charges' effort and at the break he urged better ball control and completion of sets. The Tigers started the second half in positive fashion and after a Tathra turnover Tigers hooker Matt Evelyn punished the visitors with a trademark try next to the posts which Smith converted.. Tathra's poor handling cost them again when Toby Timms burst over out wide and Smith piloted the conversion over for a 16-0 lead. Smith himself completed the scoring with an unconverted try to put the icing on a solid performance by the Tigers. The day was marred by what appears to be a serious injury to the Tigers' Dylan Fletcher which all Tigers fans hope will not keep him off the field for too long.

Dylan Fletcher was in great form before leaving the field with a knee injury.

All the Tigers players showed signs of good form, although the handling was poor with only 6/11 completions in the second half, an aspect of the game Nicholson will have to address. Best for the Tigers were Matt Evelyn, Dan McKeon had a big game, Nicholson and Smith were solid and the British contingent also made their presence felt.

Eden's New Look Forward Pack

The under 18's faced up to the Pambula Merimbula Bombala (South Coast United?) Dogs in one of the earlier matches in what proved to be somewhat of a debacle for a team that club insiders believe has the potential to threaten for the premiership this season.

With a number of players missing, the Tiger cubs started the match in encouraging fashion when Ky Overend scored a good try to give the home side a 4-0 lead. From that point the Dogs began to dominate possession and eventually the tiring defence was breached by Zac Mickula. Consecutive penalties against Eden saw PMB score again and Jackson Standen touched down and Blake Schafer converted.

Kye Overend scored Eden's only try during a strong all round game.

The second half saw Eden turn over possession on early tackles and put themselves under enormous pressure. A string of penalties(final count 6-1) exacerbated the problem and PMB took full advantage with Kurt Lomis scoring a clever try off a first play kick, and then Bailey Royal and finally Blake Schafer crossing for tries.

On a day where little went right for the Tigers Ben Brumby stood out in defence and attack, Joe Stewart and Ryan Lonsborough also played well, and Andrew Love worked hard up the middle.

The Eden Tigeress' League Tag side also had a trial run against the star studded Cooma side. The girls showed some encouraging signs against high quality opposition and will be competitive in their matches this season and provide great entertainment for the fans.

Tigger