Canowindra Tigers versus Eugowra Golden Eagles and what a classic match it was last Sunday. It was typical of the rivalry between the two towns over many years and the result wasn’t clear until the last five minutes of the game.The Tigers ran out winners 3422, but the score changed many times during the match after it was locked up at 14 all at half time. This game was full of torrid defence and skilful attack and at times both sides were feeling the pressure.
Canowindra opened the scoring with a great ride to James Dine in the fifth minute, and shortly after he scored his second, taking the lead to 8-0. Solid back line movement allowed Rob Burn to dig through a hole to score under the post taking the tigers to 14-0 lead.The last 15 minutes of the first half was all Eugowra – running in three tries, with only one converted to lock the scores up at 14 all.
Eugowra scored early in the second half to go to 18 to 14 lead but the Tigers responded shortly after with a great try to Jay which was converted to take back the lead 20-18. Eugowra scored shortly after to snatch the lead back 22-20 halfway through the second half. The Tigers were starting to control the ball more, putting pressure
on Eugowras’ defence. From a very good backline movement Josh Cooney who still had some work to do, scored out wide to bring the lead back to the Tigers 24-22. In the 71st minute of the match Josh Cooney went in for his second try, the Tigers ahead 28-22. Six points separated the two teams and it could’ve been anyone’s game but the Tigers finished with a very good backline moment to find Bailey Kennedy, who scored out wide which was converted by Rob Burn to seal the match 34-22 in the 75 minute.
League Tag
This was a very close encounter between the two sides with neither side giving an inch in the opening 25 minutes on the match.
Eugowra scored first in the 26th minute to secure a half time lead of 6-0. The Tigers had their chances in the second half but scrambling defence from the Eugowra girls stopped them from scoring. Late in the second half, Eugowra found a hole in the Tigeresses defence to go in for a try which wasn’t converted to lead 10-0. Unfortunately due to an injury to one of the Canowindra girls, the game was called off with three minutes to go. Ou best wishes go to the Canowindra girl who was injured for a speedy recovery.
Youth League
This was the best display of football produced by the young Canowindra Tigers, running out winners 26 points to 6. The boys played with a lot enthusiasm and their defence moving off the line and constantly putting pressure on the Eugowras’ attack caused them to make many mistakes. It was good to see the return of Colby Burling and congratulations him scoring a try. This was after Jason McCann scored the first try to lead 10-0. The Tigers played some smart football that worked away deep into the red zone, a cross kick found Archie and he leapt above the others to snatch the ball from Eugowras’ grasp to score for the Tigers to lead 14 -0, which was the halftime score.
The second half was a torrid affair. Eugowra scored early in the second half reducing the scoreboard to 14-6. With both side’s not giving an inch, it wasn’t until after sustained pressure on Eugowras’ line that Noah Brown crossed to score, which was converted taking the Tigers lead to 20-6.
Thomas Berkery was rewarded for having a great game with a late try to end the match 26 points to 6. The team is building in confidence and will work their way up the the leaderboard.
Next week, it’s a general buy in the Woodbridge Cup, then we go to Grenfell the following week. Winner of the raffle was Alison Newcomb.