The Canowindra Tigers first grade team took to Tom Clyburn Oval last Friday night for a highly anticipated match against the new look Gooloogong Cowboys. The Tigers looked the goods with new front rowers Zac Bohan and Anthony Redfern leading the charge. The Tigers soon lost their bite, with numerous handling errors compounded by a number of penalties against them. Despite this, the team showed a deep commitment to their defence, going into half time with the scores at 12-10 in favour to Gooloogong. Handling errors and penalties continued in the second half, but the Tigers stood strong in defence. With less than a minute to go, Canowindra scored, snatching the lead and winning 8-16. It was the Tigers’ good luck that Gooloogong did not convert any of their four tries.
A special mention goes to Blake Willson, Kain Earsman and Aaron Earsmen for their outstanding efforts, and to Player’s Player Anthony Redfern. “I just hope the people that came to watch tonight keep turning up and showing their support, because we need the support of the town and we are usually 10 times better than how we played tonight,” said Tigers’ coach Dean Stanbury after the game.
The Youth League team were missing their regular half back and dynamic running back in their game against Eugowra on the weekend. The young Tigers put up a great fight in the first half, trailing by only two points. All players put in a strong effort even though many were playing out of position. Injuries in the first half could not be overcome and in the second half, the team lacked organisation on the field and ran out of steam. Eugowra went on to win 30 points to 6.