THE Wingham Tigers will play sudden death footy with the Taree City Bulls this weekend after going down to Forster-Tuncurry 36-24 in Sunday’s Group 3 semi final blockbuster at Harry Elliott Oval.
The late withdrawal of halfback Anthony Cowan was a blow to Wingham’s hopes, but it was the Tigers who started well when Richie Roberts scored in the corner from a Willie Lockwood chip.
Less than ten minutes later, Richie Roberts scored again in the corner for an 8-0 lead.
The Hawks scored their first try on the back of a penalty for off-side. From the tap, the ball went wide and the home team scored.
Ten minutes later, Richie Roberts scored his third try in the same corner. Josh Watson converted the try from the sideline to give Wingham a 14-4 advantage.
Minutes later, Brenden Summerfield looked to score under the posts, only to have the referee rule the last pass forward.
But soon afterwards, Richie Roberts made it four tries when he caught a Willie Lockwood bomb to make the score 18-4.
The Hawks scored right on half time to trail 18-8.
Early in the second stanza, a Tigers' dropped ball saw a Forster player swoop and run 60 metres to score under the posts.
Five minutes later, the Hawks scored another try to lead for the first time 20-18.
Wingham’s Michael Davis took an intercept to run 70 metres and score under the posts. With the Josh Watson conversion, Wingham led 24-20 with 25 minutes remaining.
Wingham were again penalised for off-side. From the next set, Forster scored to tie up the game 24-24.
Against a tiring Wingham team, the Hawks scored twice in the remaining minutes to run out winners by 36-24.
The Tigers now play sudden-death football against the Taree City Bulls at the Wingham Sporting Complex on Sunday afternoon.
Forster-Tuncurry Hawks 36 beat Wingham Tigers 24 (Ritchie Roberts 4, Michael Davis tries, Josh Watson 2 conversions)
Reggies victorious, under 18s lose
THE Wingham Tigers reserve grade side will meet minor premiers Port City this weekend after downing Forster-Tuncurry 20-12 in the weekend’s semi final at Harry Elliott Oval.
It was a tough defensive game, with the Hawks scoring midway through the first stanza to lead 4-0.
Luke Steel then scored in the corner to level the scores. A try just before the break gave the home team an 8-4 advantage. Wingham took the lead early in the second half when Richie Donovan scored under the posts. Luke Steel added the extra points for a 10-8 lead.
Forster Tuncurry went ahead again with a try midway through the second half. Luke Steel's second try edged the Tigers ahead again 14-12. Richie Donovan scored his second try with ten minutes remaining. Luke Steel's conversion put Wingham ahead by eight points.
The Tigers held on to win 20-12 and progress to the major semi final next Saturday afternoon.
The Wingham Tigers under 18s must win against Camden Haven this weekend to stay alive in the Group 3 Rugby League finals series. The young Tigers were beaten 30-18 by a determined Port City side during Sunday’s semi final at Harry Elliott Oval.
Port City went to the break leading 12-8 following a try in the corner just before the half time siren. A 60 metre intercept saw Port City score under the posts to stretch the lead to 24-12 late in the game.
Kurtis Milliken barged over to give the Tigers hope, but another try to the Breakers in the final minute made the final score 30-18.
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