HAVING won the pre-season, and their first competition game, the Wingham Tigers were confident in taking on the 2013 undefeated premiers, the Wauchope Blues at Wauchope.
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The home team started well with an early try to lead 4-0.
Ten minutes later, after a long break, Matt Bridge was sin-binned for a professional foul, and the Blues scored immediately afterwards to lead 8-0.
Midway through the half, the Tigers got on the scoreboard with a try to Logan Pocklington.
Minutes later, Joel Kliendienst barged his way over the line near the posts to level the scores at 8-8.
Wingham had the best of play after that, but the teams went in level at the break.
Wauchope scored in the opening minutes to lead 14-8.
The Tigers struck back immediately when Tim Bridge scored in the corner from a scrum win.
The Blues then barged over on a last play to lead 20-12 after ten minutes of the second half.
Wauchope then added two more tries, both following controversial decisions from the officials, and the score blew out to 32-12.
Fifteen minutes from full time, Joel Kliendienst scored in the corner to give the Tigers some hope trailing 32-16.
But the premiers flexed their muscle and scored three tries in the last seven minutes to win 46-16.
(Joel Kliendienst 2, Logan Pocklington, Tim Bridge tries).
On Saturday May 10, the Tigers are back at home at the Wingham Sporting Complex against the Taree City Bulls. League Tag starts at 11.30am, followed by Under 18s and Reserve Grade, with First Grade kicking off at 3pm.
The Reserve Grade team returned to the venue and opposition from last year's grand final victory.
It was a good start, with tries by Brendan Butler and Robert MoiMoi, both converted by Garyn Burnes, to lead 12-0 after ten minutes.
Wauchope struck back with two tries to level at 12-12.
A penalty goal after the siren to Garyn Burnes made the half time score 14-12.
Brock Howard ran away with an early second half try. Garyn Burnes added the extra points.
At the ten minute mark, Alex Studdert scored in the corner for a 24-12 advantage.
The Blues hit back with a try five minutes later.
Three minutes from full time, Alex Studdert scored again in the corner after a one on one strip. The Tigers were victorious by 28-16.
(Alex Studdert 2, Brendan Butler, Robert MoiMoi, Brock Howard tries, Garyn Burnes four goals).
The Under 18s were unlucky, going down 18-12 against Wauchope.
The Blues scored first to lead 6-0.
But tries to Josh Atkins and Tate Grofos, both converted by Fletcher Lewis, gave Wingham a 12-6 lead at half time.
Wauchope levelled the scores early in the second half.
Shannon Ellem had two tries disallowed in four minutes.
A try to the home team seven minutes from full time gave Wauchope victory.
(Josh Atkins, Tate Grofos tries, Fletcher Lewis two goals).
The Ladies League Tag trailed 18-6 at half time against Wauchope, with Courtney Morris the try-scorer, and the conversion by Rhiannon Fuller.
Three second half tries to the Blues gave them victory by 36-6.
(Courtney Morris try, Rhiannon Fuller goal).
On Saturday May 10, the Tigers are back at home at the Wingham Sporting Complex against the Taree City Bulls. League Tag starts at 11.30am, followed by Under 18s and Reserve Grade, with First Grade kicking off at 3pm.
