The Eden Tigers reign supreme on top of the Group 16 rugby league reserve grade ladder. 

Going up against the second-placed Candelo-Bemboka Panthers, supporters were expecting a close match. 

And despite the exaggerated scoreline, they got one. 

It was the Panthers opening up the scoring early as the Tigers’ fierce tackling cost them in penalties. 

Three penalties, almost in a row, gave the Panthers free run of the attack, and it didn’t take long for the Teal and Whites to claim the opening try. 

The Panthers had been without kicker Bobby Taylor, but his return saw them post the extras and take a 6-0 lead. 

However, Alan Aldridge took control of his troops and warned them to play smart football. 

His words of wisdom paid off as Eden settled in to a rhythm of strong football. 

A right wing break by second rower Tyrone Thomas saw Eden level the odds. 

Then moments later it was Shaquille Aldridge running away with a right-wing attack.

The game was in the balance at 10-6, but the solid defence of the Tigers had the Panthers looking weary. 

As time ticked down to the half, again it was the Tigers, through some clever passing and quick running, scoring the points. 

Injuries began to pile up on the Panthers’ bench as key forwards came off and Eden’s big men in Ben Brumby and Jack Nicholson started to take control. 

When play resumed, the Panthers looked completely overwhelmed by the Tigers’ assault as Eden posted try after try. 

In the end it was a seven-to- one try runaway performance, which was closer on the field than the scoreboard would imply. 

Eden Tigerettes defeated Merimbula-Pambula Hotdoggies 10-8

Meanwhile, the Eden Tigerettes posted their first competition points, picking up a two-point win over the Hotdoggies. 

It was a stellar performance from double try-scorer Sharon Spink to see Eden take the win. 

Both teams were on the hunt for their first win of the season and it shaped up as one of the closest league-tag clashes this year. 

It was the Hotdoggies who opened up the scoreboard with an early try, but missed the conversion. 

Spink paired up with Maree Smith and Madeline Newton to get the Tigerettes back in attack, and on the board. 

Play then fluctuated end-to-end as both teams couldn’t convert any points, but it was Eden that broke the drought. 

Again Spink found a gap and ploughed across the line. 

Chelsie Cassie converted and a 10-4 lead opened up. 

With just minutes to play, the Hotdoggies put a try over the left wing, but could not convert. 

The clock ticked down and the Tigerettes ran off with the 10-8 win. 

The Tigers are at home to the Premiership favourites, the Moruya Sharks, on Sunday. 

Games start from noon.