THE heavily depleted Bay Tigers reserve grade side hung on to win 15-14 against the competition front-runners, Bega, at Mackay Park on Sunday.
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The Bay’s intentions were to concentrate on its defence and completing its sets.
The home side followed through with its game plan and shot out to a 14-6 half-time lead through tries to Jason Cox, Cory Maddison and Robert Thomas.
Joe Brierley slotted a single conversion.
In the second half Batemans Bay strayed from its game plan and Bega had the lion’s share of possession. The visitors posted a try and kicked a penalty goal to level the scores.
However, in the final three minutes Charlie Nye slotted the match-winning field goal to applause from Tigers supporters.
Bega didn’t get an opportunity to level the match and Batemans Bay snuck home by a point.
Tigers reserve grade coach Seth Merritt said the team tried to score off every play in the second half.
“We lost our way by not sticking to our game plan,” Merritt said.
“At one stage we defended our line for four sets; giving away penalties by not keeping their minds on the job and silly little mistakes could have cost us the game.”
Merritt said experienced players such as Michael and Warren Potts, Brierley and Nye led the younger players well.
“Michael Potts was very strong on the edges in both defence and attack and his younger brother Warren did the same on the other side,” he said.
“It tightened up our flanks pretty well.
“Charlie and Joey led the way and the younger guys played off them.”
Merritt also wanted to make a note of the team’s young forwards.
“Marcus Neal and Bailey Scholtz made plenty of yards which made it easier for our backs,” he said.
The Tigers have a bye this weekend before they play Eden at George Brown Memorial Oval on July 12.
Batemans Bay 15 (tries: Jason Cox, Cory Maddison and Robert Thomas; goals: Joe Brierley 1) defeated Bega 14.
Roosters crow in under 18s
The scoreboard ticked over faster than a Tokyo taxi meter in the under 18s clash between Batemans Bay and Bega on Sunday.
Unfortunately for the hosts, the undefeated Roosters were too strong and carved out a 58-24 win.
Batemans Bay had 12 starters and Bega matched as per the rules of Group 16, however, an injury cut the Tigers down to 11 during the second half.
The Tigers trailed 24-12 at the break but Bega’s powerful runners made the most of the tiring Tigers and expansive space to run away with the victory.
Tigers’ winger Zac Henstock and prop Luc Hill scored two tries each and halfback Doug Ebsworth was four from four with the boot.
The Tigers sit third on the competition ladder, three points behind Moruya.
Bega 58 defeated Batemans Bay 24 (tries: Zac Henstock 2 and Luce Hill 2; goals: Doug Ebsworth 4).