Canowindra Tigers have held onto their undefeated record with a solid 38 to four win over the Grenfell Goannas. The playing roster was a little different from previous weeks, with a number of positional changes, but the Tigers still maintained their defence line in tack, holding their opponents to four points. This pleased coach Grim-shaw as we head to Manildra next week.
Dan Middleton opened the points for the Tigers in the eighth minute, scoring out wide to lead four to zero. Six minutes later, Ned Stephenson crossed the line with his first try of the day, bringing the Tigers lead to 10 points to nil. After Grenfell had the glut of possession, they put their first points on the board through Steve Ingram, who scored a try out wide to trail 10 to four at half time.
The Tigers put their foot on the pedal early in the second half, after Ryan Clark sped through a hole in Grenfell’s defence and with some fancy footwork, beat the fullback for his first try on the left side of the post. This pushed the score out to 14 to four. Shortly after, Ronnie Lawrence who is always around the wall, forced his way over which was converted by Robbie Burns to stretch the Tigers’ lead to 20 points to four.
After a tiring battle, it was not until late in the second half that Ned scored his second try and the Tigers reached 26 points to four. All forms were having a strong game, with George Lolo pushing off many defenders in a brilliant 40 metre burst which allowed him to score under the post, pushing out the Tigers lead to 32 points to four.
In the final minutes, Connor Munroe stepped up from the youth league side and showed some speedy footwork. He skirted down the sideline and scored his first try in first grade. This was converted to push the score to 38 to four.
The Tigers’ defence held strong in the second half, despite sustaining a lot of pressure from the Grenfell Goannas. Player’s player went to Ned Stephenson.
Although the league tag girls went down to 20 points to nil, it was no indication of the closeness in this game. Grenfell went to an early lead six nil, then at the 14 minute mark, scored the second try to lead 10 nil. The Tigers had a few opportunities but could not quite match Grenfell. It was not until the 29th minute of the first half that Grenfell scored the third try to lead 14 points to nil.
The game see-sawed up and down the field with some brilliant play from both sides. In the middle, the defence held strong. It was not until the 25th minute that Grenfell sealed the game with a try, bringing the final score 20 points to nil.
Youth league held onto their unbeaten record with a very solid 50 points to nil win over Grenfell. First half tries went to Josh Crimmins, Harrison Warn and Pedro Tapin to lead 16 points to nil at half time. In the second half, Connor Munroe ran in three tries, showing his speed which constantly put pressure on Grenfell’s defence. Con-nor was supported by Tyler Byron who scored two tries and Luke Wheeler, Elliot Blee and Joel Wheeler scored one each. Luke Wheeler converted five tries. Player’s player went to Connor “Money” Munroe.
Next week, the Tigers travel to Manildra which is sure to be a very entertaining games in all grades.