The Eden Tigers' reserves are now poised to take out the Group 16 premiership, blowing away the Candelo-Bemboka Panthers in the second half of Sunday’s major semi-final.

The Tigers and Panthers were deadlocked in an intense and fiery battle at the half-time break. 

Club stalwart Sheldon Wykes said it took plenty of effort to overcome the second-placed Panthers. 

“The Tigers were led magnificently by captain-coach Alan Aldridge, but had to pull out all their talents on Sunday,” Wykes said. 

Wykes said the game featured a high penalty count and injuries. 

“The side was reduced to just three on the bench with injuries.”

Despite heated early exchanges between the two squads, it was a fast-paced passing game that saw the Tigers take control. 

“The Tigers’ ability to move the ball around with precision passing had the bigger Panthers side struggling to keep pace with  the outside backs,” Wykes said. 

A highlight try for the Eden Tigers was a blinding left-hand run by Grant Owen. 

“Due to injuries, the side has been forced to play Grant on the wing and he has been in career-best form.

“His try in the corner being the first touch down of his career.

“It was a special moment for this young man and it was appropriate his father Jock, who played many games for Tigers over a long career, was at the ground on Sunday,” Wykes said. 

A stunning performance came from the kicker in Ron Callaghan, who couldn’t miss the mark. 

“What about the two booming conversions from the side line by the talented Ron Callaghan?

“He kicked five goals in an outstanding all round game from the well-respected halfback.”

Meanwhile, the combination of the hookers were explosive in the second half as the Tigers settled to their rhythm. 

“The rotation of the two talented hookers Jack Nicholson and Aaron Aldridge had the challengers on the back foot,” Wykes said. 

“They had great dummy half running, while James Thomas and  Corey Stewart (junior) made a great contribution off the bench.”

The Panthers returned a couple of tries of their own, but the solid work of front rowers Andrew Love and Ben Holding kept the Panthers’ options limited. 

Elvis Tui and Travis Blackburn also had a classy performance out of the back row. 

The reserves now get a week off and will meet either the Panthers or the Moruya Sharks in the grand final in Bega on September 14.

Wykes said it was a great day of rugby league overall with the Roosters pulling out a miracle finish over the Moruya Sharks. 

The league-tag match was decided by just two points from a Bega Chicks penalty goal, while the under 18s blew out in favour of the Bega Roosters. 

The preliminary finals will be held in Bega this Sunday from 10am onwards.