Tigers give Fishes a fright

The mighty Nyngan Tigers put in a super effort against Dubbo CYMS, losing a PMP thriller 22-18.

By Supplied

Felly McHughes for the Tigers. Photos by The Warren and Nyngan Weekly: Abigail McLaughlin.

By Trevor Waterhouse

Nyngan Tigers v Dubbo CYMS

The mighty Nyngan Tigers put in a super effort against the Dubbo CYMS at a packed Larkin Oval on Sunday, May 10, only to go down 22-18 in a nail biter.

We were our own worst enemy early on with dropped balls and silly mistakes. As a result, CYMS held a 12-0 lead midway through the first half and looked as though they might run away with it.

The Tigers hit back nearing the break when workaholic lock forward Mitch Cleary crashed over for a converted try to narrow the gap.

It was all the Tigers in the early stages of the second session with converted tries to Charlie Wykes and Clynton Edwards to see the Tigers jump out to an 18 -12 lead with 25 minutes remaining.

The game was there for the taking but we just couldn’t put the Fishies away.

A couple of silly decisions with the footy cost us dearly. We gifted CYMS possession and they made the most of it to score a couple of late tries to snatch the game.

There were some great performers for the Tiges with Mitch Cleary the pick for mine, just in front of Rory Quarmby and Clay Ryan.

These blokes took it to the CYMS pack and never took a backward step. The old stager Jacob Neill was also good. Jacob’s experience will be invaluable to the Tigers in the coming weeks.

Reserve Grade

The Reggies had a fairly even contest, but the Fishies just a bit too good on the day winning 20-8.

The Tigers were missing a couple of important cogs with captain-coach Matt Sheather stepping up to fill the gap left by the injury to Josh Merritt in first grade.

Clynt Edwards was another Reggies regular who was called into A-grade at the last moment. Despite these hiccups the boys dug deep and can hold their heads up.

The Marra Mauler, Ned Dawson, was strong. He carried the ball with purpose and was well supported by Bailey Brooks and the Beer brothers - Tylah and Kaleb.

These blokes have going good, as has the tough Ryan McCarney who only knows one way. Brooke Cadrakilagi was another who caught the eye - great to see him back playing footy.

Youth League

The under 18s went within a whisker of causing the upset of the year putting in an excellent performance to come from 16-0 down after 20 minutes to snatch a gallant 16 -all draw.

The Tigers all but got the cash with Doc Burley’s conversion attempt missing by a matter of millimeters.

Great effort boys. Your start to the season has been unreal with two wins and a draw from four games keep it up boys.

There wasn’t a bad player with all the boys putting in a 100 per cent. Jayden Smith was a standout once again as was big forward Usia Tuinayatuyasawa.

Big Uz punched holes in the defence each time he carried the ball. Sam Walsh was also impressive in his debut for the Tigers, and will be a handy pick up for coaches Burl and Jacko. Great start to the season boys.

The girls - although they went down - were once again impressive. The 20-4 final score wasn’t a real indication of how the game went. We were dead set unlucky with a couple of crucial calls going against us.

Our young girls continued to impress with Sophie Johnson scoring a nice try from dummy half. Lara Clarke continued her good form and was awarded players player for the second week running. Lily Crossland is another who is improving each week.

This weekend we head to Mudgee to take on the Dragons and then we will be back at Larkin Oval the following week to take on the Bathurst Panthers.