Tigers hold Roosters to draw
Eden 22 Bega 22

May 5th 2013 by Dave Evelyn

The Great Southern Inn Eden Tigers managed to secure a hard fought draw against arch rivals Bega in a tough and entertaining encounter at George Brown Oval last Sunday. The Bega side took advantage of some early handling lapses by the Tigers to open the scoring with Adrian Parberry crossing despite some defensive heroics by Toby Timms who had another strong match. The try was unconverted, and Eden struck back almost immediately after consecutive penalties with Timms crossing after a deft kick from captain coach Greg Nicholson.

Eden failed to get a kick in at the end of their next set and from the resulting turnover Bega scored again when Leigh Fuller finished off a sweeping backline movement to touch down. The try was converted by Graham Matthews and took the Roosters to a 10-4 lead. That lead was short lived as Eden's Craig Wright crossed for a good Tigers try which Ian Smith converted to level the scores at 10-10. Bega's Adam Lucas scored another Roosters try which was again converted by Matthews. Just before the break Tony Banks scored a try for Eden which levelled the scores at 16-16.

Dylan Wheeler Had another Big game against Bega

After the break Eden's Matt Creswick scored a clever try to put the Tigers ahead 20-16 and the match was heading for an exciting finish. Play moved from end to end as the forwards looked to get over the top of their opposing pack.The game took a critical turn when Eden again didnt get to their kick and from the consequent turnover Bega's Grant Jessop scored a try which was converted to put the Roosters in the lead. As time ticked down the Tigers threw everything at their opponents. An avalanche of penalties in the closing minutes gave the Tigers a chance to pull an unlikely victory out of the fire,but the bega defence remained resolute. In the final minute another penalty to Eden , this time right in front of the posts, gave Eden's Ian Smith the chance to kick a goal and bring the scores level.

This was a very entertaining match, and in the finish a draw was probably a fair result. Best for Eden were halfback Tom Henderson, who is finding his feet and is playing some very good football. Ian Smith, Connor (?) and Dylan Wheeler also played very strongly.

Next week the Tigers will face premiership favourites Moruya Sharks at George Brown Oval in what will be a great day of football.

Tigger