The Eden Tigers finished strongly in the first grade rugby league on Sunday to miss out by just a whisker against the Pambula-Merimbula Bulldogs.
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The visiting Bulldogs had a comfortable 30-12 lead at the break, but the Tigers fought back valiantly in the second half, going down 36-32.
It was a near photo finish for the Tigers, who have struggled this year and will finish the season in seventh place.
However, the Eden Tigerettes were a highlight during the club’s 2006 and 1996 reunion round, scoring solid wins in both their league-tag contests over the Hot Doggies and Pink Panthers.
Stacy Duivesteyn and Ebony Dykhoff-Darrington were in great form, setting up Amber Kennedy for a gun display and bursts of speed.
The team was also well backed up by some good kicking off the boot of Chelsea Cassie.
Earlier the under 18s combination had also gone down to the Pambula-Merimbula club 54-6.
In the first grade contest, it was the Bulldogs striking first when Jarrod Cole shoved his way through a couple of defenders to find the line.
However, the Tigers were looking to bounce back and made excellent metres off incisive runs from captain Michael Wykes.
With Adam Curtis and Matt Evelyn providing some solid hit ups, the Tigers quickly found themselves in attacking territory to score the next two tries.
John Aldridge had a great kicking game with some well-weighted shots, while Elvis Tui provided impact in both attack and defence.
The two sides matched for speed with the Tigers holding the edge on size and play focused around the ruck.
Another impressive attacking play saw the Tigers about 20-metres out when Jamie Sinclair intercepted a pass and bolted 80-metres to score.
A spat of quick scoring to the Bulldogs saw them going to the break with a good lead 30-12.
Lapses in defence by the Bulldogs saw the Tigers gaining the upper hand in the second half with a smattering of tries.
Unfortunately for the hosts, the visiting Bulldogs were able to land a solitary try in the second half and hold off the strong finish from the hosts.
As the clock ran down the Bulldogs secured the win 36-32.
The final round on Sunday is being hailed as “Ray Day” with refs donating their pay from the round to help Ray Ryan’s battle with cancer.
Ryan was given the shock diagnosis recently and clubs are rallying behind the Candelo local.
The Tigers will host a home round at George Brown against the Bombala Blue Heelers with play from Noon.
Unfortunately, all three senior grades for the Tigers will fall outside the top four no matter results on Sunday so get along to the club’s final games for the year.