Wingham was on the back foot after conceding back-to-back tries after ten minutes to trail 10-0.

But then the Tigers got on top of their opponents, and were rewarded with a try to Matt Bartlett after 25 minutes. This was converted by Michael Rees.

Ten minutes later, Mitch Steel, playing his first game for the Tigers in 10 years, scored under the posts. Michael Rees added the extra points to put Wingham ahead 12-10.

Seconds from the half time siren, Blake Sky scored in the corner to extend the lead to 16-10.

When Joel Kliendienst scored out wide just after the break for a 20-10 lead, it looked like the Tigers might run away with the game.

But the Hawks came back. They were disallowed a try after a strip in a tackle, but soon after scored under the posts for a 20-16 score.

Forster Tuncurry had the best of play in the second half, but the Tigers' defence, although stretched, was able to repel the attacks.

The Hawks had one final play on full time to win the game, but came up empty. Wingham had won 20-16 in a tight game.

(Matt Bartlett, Mitch Steel, Blake Sky, Joel Kliendienst tries, Michael Rees two goals).

Reserve grade

IN reserve grade, again little separated the teams on the competition table.

An early try to Scott Price in the corner gave Wingham a 4-0 lead.

Midway through the half, the Hawks scored under the posts to go ahead 6-4.

Then Russell Babakuhl scored 10 minutes before the break, and Nick Beecham added the extra points.

With the Tigers taking a 10-6 lead into the second half, both teams were held scoreless after the break in another tight game of rugby league.

(Scott Price, Russell Babekuhl tries, Nick Beecham goal).

Under 18s

THE under 18s game saw the home team score first for a 4-0 lead. A try to Brock O'Sullivan levelled the scores after 10 minutes.

Two tries to the Hawks in five minutes gave them a 14-4 advantage. Just before the break, Brock O'Sullivan scored his second try, and Fletcher Lewis added the extra points to trail 14-10 at half time. Two tries to Forster-Tuncurry in the first 10 minutes of the second half pushed the score out to 26-10. A converted try to Fletcher Lewis about 10 minutes from full time gave the Tigers some hope, but they were unable to score again and were beaten by 26-16.

(Brock O'Sullivan two, Fletcher Lewis tries, Fletcher Lewis two goals).

League tag

THE Wingham league tag stunned the undefeated competition leaders by leading 18-16 at half time with tries to Rhiannon Fuller (2) and Brooke Atkins, all converted by Rhiannon Fuller.

But the Forster-Tuncurry were able to keep the Tigers scoreless in the second half to run out winners 28-18.

(Rhiannon Fuller two, Brooke Atkins tries, Rhiannon Fuller three goals).

Break this weekend

GROUP Three takes a break for the long weekend, and then the Tigers return home on Sunday, June 15 at Wingham Sporting Complex against the Port City.