Eden Tigers first grade defeated by Bega Roosters 32-10
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The Eden Tigers first grade rugby league squad was trumped by its Bega Roosters rivals.
Playing-coach Billy Michelin said a “lack of ball control” contributed to the second-half loss to the Roosters.
“We didn’t complete our sets,” Michelin said.
“We were giving up a few too many handovers and silly penalties.”
The Tigers held a handy 20-18 lead after the half-time break, but couldn’t hold out the Bega attack.
Michelin said he took nothing away from the Bega side, who played strongly.
“They were a really young fit side that didn’t give up.”
“Ryan Apps and Grant Jessop were the ones we’ve got to watch out for.”
Scott Fuller was a powerhouse for Bega, running two tries through under the posts.
It was a good game for fans to watch, as Eden’s matches against Bega are always fiery clashes.
However, Michelin said the two clubs enjoyed a “good mateship” off the field.
Despite the loss, Michelin said there were some highlights for the Red and Whites.
“It was good to have the three English boys back, Tommy Henderson and Connor Myers played good,” he said.
“Dan McKean had a really good game too.”
Meanwhile, the club is sorely missing key players Michael Wykes and Dylan Fletcher.
“We are strongly missing Dylan’s support play and Michael Wykes’s ability to spread the team in the attack.”
Michelin said in their absence some of his core players had stepped up to bridge the gaps.
“The veteran 41-year-old Leigh Hennessey had a ripper game,” Michelin said.
“And Ian Smith’s high-flying try from that catch was great.”
Smith had a double for the Tigers, with an early intercept scoring a right-wing try.
And then in the second half taking a marvellous catch on the try-line over the top of his Bega opponent to score.
Michelin said training this week has focused on ball-handling skills and completing sets.
He said now was the time to start pushing towards the pointy end of the season.
“We really need to start winning games to finish in the top two.
“We aren’t looking to just make the final four, we want to be right up there,” he said.
Eden Tigers reserve grade defeated Bega Roosters 30-10.
Tigers reserve grade playing-coach Alan Aldridge said he is happy with the team’s progress this season.
“We just wanted to get out this year, leave last year behind and just look forward to each game we play,” Aldridge said.
“There are good numbers at training, they’re enthusiastic and positive when we get out on the field.”
Jack Nicholson had a double for the Tigers.
Late in the second half Tyrone Thomas and Elvis Tui also chimed in as the score blew out in favour of the visitors.
Aldridge said there were no standout players, but a strong overall effort from his team returning good results.
“We really put in a strong team effort, there is a lot of determination from the boys.”
Aldridge said after the strong result he is looking forward to taking on the Candelo-Bemboka Panthers.
“I’m looking forward to the match, it will be a really strong and physical game.
“The Panthers are the new club and they want to prove a point – they want to make a mark back in Group 16,” he said.
Whatever the result, Aldridge said he is happy to be working with his current team.
“I’m just happy with the good numbers at training and the discipline and determination of the boys on, and off, the field,” he said.
Eden Tigerettes defeated by Bega Chicks 54-4.
Eden’s Madeline Newton was the only Tigerette able to post any points against the powerful Bega Chicks outfit on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the reverse saw a triple for two of the Chicks’ most experienced players in Joccoaa Rogers and Tegan Mundy.
The Tigerettes will be looking forward to a closely-fought contest against the Merimbula-Pambula Hotdoggies on Sunday.
Games kick off at the Pambula Sporting Complex from noon.
The reserves play the Panthers at 1pm and the first grade has the bye.