THE Batemans Bay Tigers first match at Candelo Oval in 45 years proved to be a challenge as first grade lost 42-10 and reserve grade lost 24-16 on Saturday.
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A good crowd was on hand to celebrate the 1965 anniversary of the Group 16 grand final between Candelo and Bemboka.
The Bay started well in the first grade match against Pambula-Merimbula Bulldogs with some determined running leading to good field position.
A smart poke from James Thomas saw him sneak in under the sticks and his try was duly converted by Jacob Hill to give the Tigers a 6-nil lead.
Pambula–Merimbula then got on a roll and in a 20-minute period it crossed for four tries and added three goals as it took a 22-6 lead to the break.
The carnage continued in the second half as Pambula–
Merimbula continually found room out wide to post another four tries and two goals to bring the score to 42-6.
A consolation try to the Tigers’ Shane Chatfield made the final score 42-10.
A 13 to three penalty count after 70 minutes did the Tigers no favours and its defence out wide was below par.
Mick Tadich, Mason Harrison, Thomas, Billy Zahra, Marcus Golman, Jack Leggett and Sam Cunningham toiled away and youngsters Hill, Baden Payne and Scott Belcher put in huge efforts and gained valuable experience.
Doug Ebsworth drew some praise after he played the under 18s game at Narooma earlier in the day.
The Bay Tigers reserve grade team played in the old Bemboka outfit, against the Candelo-Bemboka Panthers, to mark the occasion before the jumpers were auctioned at a reunion function following the games.
The home side shot away to a 12-nil lead before Lee Baghurst crossed for a four-pointer and Charles Nye added the extras to make it 12-6.
Another try to the home team had them up 18-6 after the first half.
Following the resumption of play, Baghurst crossed for his second and Nye converted to bring the score to 18-12.
The Panthers hit back with a converted try to lead 24-12 before Sean Connell crossed late in the game which made the full-time score 24-16.
Brent Parker, Ashbee Reid, Willy Thomas, Ben Carmody, Sean Connell and Jack Drew were the Tigers’ standouts.
“The Bay boys’ efforts on the day were commendable but a determined home side and a 13 to four penalty count proved to be insurmountable,” Tigers’ president Bob Mitchell said.
The Tigers’ under 18s narrowly lost 28-22 to Moruya at Narooma on Saturday.
“The kids put up a great show, having only 12 starters and finishing the game with 11,” Mitchell said.
Mason Harrison and Mick Tadich have been named in Group 16’s representative squad to face Group Six at Mackay Park on May 1.
Moruya has dominated the representation and showed that pre-season favouritism was deserved with 10 players - Dennis Green, Pat McMahon, Jake Clarke, Caine Brierley, Aaron Brierley, Tim Weyman, Luke Jay, Dillon Johnson, Kyle Brierley and Shane Colebrook - named in the squad.
“There is already talk about the Sharks’ Clayton Cup prospects,” Mitchell said.
The Bay’s next outing is at Mackay Park on Sunday.
The Tigers will host Bombala in first grade and the under 18s will play their first home game of the season against Cooma.
Tigers’ calendar (all games at Mackay Park unless named):
April 19: Round four; Bombala v Batemans Bay at 2.30pm in first grade and Cooma v Batemans Bay at 1pm in the under 18s.
April 26: Round five; all grades away at Bega.
May 1: Group 16 v Group Six representative game.
May 10: Round six; Eden v Batemans Bay in league tag, reserves and first grade.
May 16: Round seven; Moruya v Batemans Bay in all grades.
May 24: Round eight; Cooma v Batemans Bay in all grades.
May 30: Round nine; Batemans Bay’s first and reserve grade v Narooma at Bill Smyth Oval.
