Tigers find form to win at home

The mighty Tigers roared back into the winner’s circle with a hard fought 18 -12 victory over Orange Hawks at Larkin Oval on Sunday, May 25.

Braith Kelly scored a try for reserve grade. Photos by The Nyngan Weekly: Abigail McLaughlin.

By Trevor Waterhouse

It was a cracker of a day to be at the footy with the big crowd lapping up the sunshine. There was very little in the first-grade clash with the Tigers trailing 12-6 at the break.

That remained the score until about 20 minutes from the end when the Tigers crossed over out wide. Matty McDougall was astray with the conversion attempt to leave the scores 12-10 in favour of Hawks.

The arm wrestle continued with neither side giving too much away. Little hooker Bermo got the Tigers in front when he burrowed over from dummy half with 10 to go.

Little Doogy added the extras to give the boys a four point buffer heading towards the bell.

With two minutes left on the clock, the Tigers received a penalty 30 metres out, directly in front. Matty Sheather slotted the goal to put the icing on the cake for the Tigers.

Good gritty win by the boys. They showed a heap of courage to hang on and get the cash.

It was a real test of character for the club. We have been hit hard with injury of late and it was a good test of the club’s depth.

Big Vinny was awesome as always. He was well supported by Bermo and Loma. In the backs Jak Jeffery was in everything as was little Doogy.

The Reggies was a bit like the first grade where we had to fight all the way for the victory. The Tigers came away with a 26-6 win but the final score was by no way an indication of the contest.

The boys blew the Hawks away in the final 15 minutes with Ewan Elwood and halfback Braith Kelly running riot.

Coach Troy Evans was also strong, as he is each week. Evo won’t let the boys get ahead of themselves but would be pleased with the way they are tracking.

The under 18s were again short but showed a heap of courage as they do each week to keep turning up and having a crack. The boys never stopped trying against the ladder leading Hawks and lost no fans with their gutsy performance. Ike Fester and Aiden Swan were good as was little centre Jarryn Moore, who was our best in my opinion.

Linkon Sinclair was also good as were Shane Rose and Doc Burley.

The girls turned it on for the home crowd, running out convincing 26-0 victors.

Our girls were always in control and the hard work they have been putting in paid off.

There wasn’t a bad player but the placid Ellie Purtell was the pick for mine if I had to pick one.

Courtney and Grace were also good they have struck up a handy partnership in a short space of time and will only improve in the weeks ahead.

The Hoy sisters were another couple who stood out as did Emma Teale, who resembled Latrell Mitchell with her ball playing.

Great effort Tigers. This weekend we have the bye before we are at home again against Bathurst Panthers on June 15.