RUGBY league returned to Mackay Park on Saturday when the Bay hosted the Group 16 trials in front of a big crowd.
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The turnout of supporters surprised the organisers as the crowd cleaned out the canteens and kept the bar staff busy into the night.
The Bay played the Group 16 Indigenous Dream Team which was captain-coached by Tigers’ player Mason Harrison.
It was a strong representative team drawn from all clubs from Eden and Cooma to the Bay.
The Tigers fielded a mix of under 18s and grade players in what was a solid first-up workout for the Bay.
Although outweighed and outgunned, there was enough shown by the Bay boys to suggest that the club will field a couple of competitive sides when the competition starts with an away game to Cooma on March 22.
Billy Zahra put his hand up for early selection with a strong display and was probably the pick of the forwards.
“Billy picks up points in the Bay Tigers Old Boys’ Awards which will run throughout the year,” president Bob Mitchell said.
“The old boys will be polled after each game and some awards made on presentation night.”
Young halfback Jacob Hill played well against stiff opposition and Lachlan Knox, Baden Payne, Doug Ebsworth, Jake Cowling, Scott Belcher, Ben Carmody, and Jonno Tennant caught the eye with some strong work.
“These boys will grow with experience and the only place to get it is out on the field,” he said.
Two local boys, Doug Ebsworth and Jarrod Ward, have played together for the Bay since the under 7s and on Saturday made their first grade debut together.
“The boys acquitted themselves well in what was a hard game against some very seasoned footballers,” Mitchell said.
“We know the dads will be puffing the chests out.”
Coach Matt Cross blew a few cobwebs away with a determined appearance and will be a lot better for the run.
The game was played in a tough but clean manner and will give the young Tigers valuable experience.
Duncan, the club’s mascot, ventured out among the crowd at the end of the game for his first public appearance at Mackay Park and “was a hit with the kids”. “We should see a lot more of him as the year moves on,” Mitchell said.
The Tigers are hoping to form a ladies’ league tag side after more interest has been shown by potential players.
The matches are played after under 18s and before reserve grade and have been popular in both Group Seven and Group 16.
Players must turn 16 this year though dispensation may be made.
“Come on, ladies, get together and come over to training and have a talk to Matt Cross about forming a side,” Mitchell said.
For information email mcross@nrl.com.au or head to training at Mackay Park on Tuesday or Friday at 5.45pm.