The Wingham Tigers travelled to Wauchope to play the Wauchope Blues on Sunday in the Group Three Rugby League clash.
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The home team had shown good form in the pre-season competition with a win over the premiers, Port City.
Wauchope began well with a try from a chip and chase on the last tackle to lead 6-0 after a quarter of an hour.
Five minutes later, the home team was reduced to twelve players with a sin-binning.
It didn't halt the Blues who were in for another try a minute later to lead 12-0.
With less than five minutes to half Time, Nick Beacham forced his way over the line for Wingham's first points.
Michael Bailey added the conversion.
Then Jake Mullen crossed without a hand touching him. Michael Bailey added the extras to level the scores at 12-12 at the break.
The Tigers went ahead early in the second half when English import Danny Price kicked to the corner for Michael Bailey to score.
He converted his own try for an 18-12 advantage.
A penalty goal to Michael Bailey five minutes later extended the lead to eight points.
With a quarter of an hour remaining, captain coach Danny Russell barged his way over for a try and a 24-12 lead.
Against the run of play, Wauchope hit back with a try to reduce the deficit to 24-18.
A second try by Jake Mullen, and a late penalty goal to Michael Bailey, gave Wingham a hard-fought 30-18 win.
(Jake Mullen 2, Nick Beacham, Michael Bailey, Danny Russell tries, Michael Bailey 5 goals).
Reserve grade
The Tigers started well in Reserve Grade with an early try to Codey Green.
Wauchope went ahead with a converted try after a 40-20 kick.
Five minutes before the break, Ryan Relf scored in the corner from an Adam Kerr kick.
A try right on the half time siren game the home team a slight 10-8 advantage.
The second half began with Danny Price scoring twice within ten minutes, the second converted by Ben Griffiths.
Then Wauchope hit back to reduce the margin to 18-14. Continued page 19
