THE Wingham Tigers travelled to Old Bar Reserve (also known as the graveyard) on Sunday to play the Old Bar Beach Pirates, with both teams looking for their first win.
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It was Wingham who scored first when Luke Steel stepped through the defence after a quarter of an hour for a 4-0 lead.
Midway through the half, Aaron Bakewell scored in the corner. Michael Rees converted from the sideline to make the score 10-0.
Five minutes later, the home team scored in the corner.
But then the Tigers retaliated when Blake Sky crossed out wide for the Tigers to lead 14-4.
As the half time bell sounded, and on the final tackle, Old Bar Beach played some "hot potato" football. As Wingham repelled the attack, the Pirates player dropped the ball behind him, and it was dived on by a Tiger. Inexplicably, a penalty was given for the ball being stripped. Old Bar took a tap and scored in the corner. With the sideline conversion, the teams went to half time with the visitors leading 14-10.
In the early minutes of the second stanza, a grubber kick was deflected, and Shannon Ellem dived on the ball for a try. Michael Rees added the extra points.
Five minutes later, an Old Bar player was sent off, and a couple of minutes after, Tim Bridge was also sent off, leaving both teams with twelve players.
Immediately after, the home team scored in the corner to reduce the deficit to 20-14.
Midway through the half, Ryan Gilkinson scored his first try for the Tigers.
Ten minutes later, Mitch Collins, making his first start for Wingham's First Grade, stepped through the defence for a try, and a 28-14 advantage.
With five minutes remaining, Adam Dale sealed victory with a try, making the final score 32-14.
(Luke Steel, Aaron Bakewell, Blake Sky, Shannon Ellem, Ryan Gilkinson, Mitch Collins, Adam Dale tries, Tim Rees 2 goals)
Reserve grade
THE Tigers' Reserve Grade remain undefeated with a 38-16 victory over Old Bar Beach.
Captain Chris Butler, playing his 100th grade game, was first to score. The try was converted by Michael Bailey.
Then Alex Studdert scored, followed by Nick Beacham, with Michael Bailey adding the extra points for a 16-0 midway through the first half.
The game developed into an arm wrestle, with the Pirates scoring ten minutes before the break to go to half time trailing 16-4.
The home team scored early in the second half to reduce the margin to 16-10.
Then back-to-back tries to Piripi Parangi and Jackson Mullen, both converted by Michael Bailey, made the score 28-10 after just ten minutes of the stanza.
A converted try to Luke Williams made the score 34-10.
In the final ten minutes, a Pirate's try, followed by one to Garyn Burns, made the final score 38-16.
(Chris Butler, Alex Studdert, Nick Beacham, Piripi Parangi, Jackson Mullen, Luke Williams, Garyn Burns tries, Michael Bailey 5 goals)
Under 18s
THE young Wingham Tigers Under 18s were without a couple of their older players, and they were no match for the Pirates.
The home team led 16-0 after a quarter of an hour before Cooper Lewis scored in the corner.
Another try to Old Bar Beach made the half time score 22-4.
The Pirates added three more tries to lead 40-4 midway through the second half.
A try to Brendan Fuller made the final score 40-8.
(Cooper Lewis, Brendan Fuller tries)
League Tag
THE Wingham Tigers Ladies League Tag team lost 44-0 after trailing 26-0 at half time.
Next
THE Tigers have a week off before playing the local derby against Taree City at the Wingham Sporting Complex on Saturday May 9.