BATEMANS Bay Tigers Rugby League Football Club hosted its first regular competition home games at Mackay Park since its return to Group 16 on Saturday.
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The Tigers’ first grade team had its first win of the season when it beat last year’s runners-up, the Narooma Devils, 46-16.
The two sides were evenly matched for talent with the Bay’s Matt Cross and Narooma’s Todd Ayers making their first appearances for the season.
“Both players showed how important they are going to be to their respective sides as the season progresses,” Tigers’ president Bob Mitchell said.
The Bay scored a comprehensive eight tries to three win on the back of good games from fullback Mick Tadich, the Leggett boys Jack and Kane, the Hill brothers Jacob and Luc, Mason Harrison, Marcus Golman and Billy Zahra.
Cross played a decisive 25 minutes in the first half and came up with the match-turning try.
He touched down beside the post after two strong runs which boosted the Tigers’ confidence at a vital stage of the game.
The Bay ran away in the second half with better fitness before the side relaxed and leaked a few points at the death.
“It will even up fitness-wise in the second round but early points are a bonus,” Mitchell said.
“Sam Cunningham is displaying his best form and is showing a bit of venom in defence.
“Youngster Luc Hill held his own against the solid Narooma pack and was rewarded with the players’ player award and the three points on the day.”
The Bay’s first ever women’s league tag game proved popular with the large crowd and although the girls went down to an experienced Narooma side the team showed that with some training, and a few more games, it will be more than capable of matching it with the established sides.
“The game was entertaining, the spectators enjoyed it and the girls had a lot of fun,” Mitchell said.
The Tigers’ reserve grade side put on a “great show” before losing narrowly to Narooma in a see-sawing game.
The Bay led 16-4 at half-time but dropped the ball and lost possession early in the tackle count in the second half.
The Devils mounted a spirited comeback and regained possession with a couple of minutes remaining as the visitors trailed 26-22.
Narooma scored and Trey Parsons calmly slotted to convert at full-time to win 28-26.
“With a bit of work on ball handling and ball security the boys won’t be far away from the winners’ circle,” Mitchell said.
The two sides look forward to their next match and after both sides’ players and committees enjoyed presentations in the clubhouse after the match.
The Tigers’ next match is an away game against Pambula-Merimbula on April 11 at Candelo Oval.
The Bulldogs downed Bega 34-24 on the weekend.
In other games Eden beat Bombala 56-6 and competition favourites Moruya belted Cooma 54-30.
The Bay Tigers Supporters Club hundred club was drawn and won by sponsor Ron Price.
An upgrade of the Mackay Park power supply will be undertaken by council this week.
It’s one of many upgrades which include kitchen renovations and access to a disabled toilet upstairs.
“The council is also taking a look at the dangerous tree at the back of the function centre which regularly throws sticks and limbs around the busy toilet doors,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell praised the committee, ball boys, canteen workers, gatekeepers, scoreboard attendants and volunteers who helped make the club’s first home game a success.
“Thanks to Harry Giatris for discounting the club with the ice, and to Josh Burkinshaw and David Ladmore who assisted with the locks, PA system and music and Paul Collins for taping the game,” Mitchell said.
