The Balmain Tigers grounded out 24 points to 6 win over the Magpies, which
gives them breathing space inside the top eight of the competition. The day
had everything, sunshine, wind and heavy rain but this did not dampen the boys
spirits as they put on an entertaining game.
The first try came after 6 minutes of play. Wests were attacking inside the
Tigers 20 metre line but they turned the ball over in good field position. Balmain
collected the ball, moved down field before putting up a towering bomb which
was knocked on by the visitors. After winning the scrum, Balmain put on two
settling runs before spreading the ball to wing three quarter Keith Eshman
who scored a well constructed try. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful.
Balmain 4 Wests 0.
The Magpies had their chances to counter, but Balmain’s defense held firm. In
the 17th minute the Tigers found themselves inside the visitor’s 20 metre line.
After drawing the defense from the side line, a cut out ball was thrown to wing
three quarter Sam Latu who crossed in the corner for the first of his two tries.
Sean Meaneys conversion put the Tigers in front 10 points to 0.
Within minutes Balmain was in again after half Nathan Waters cut through the
Magpies line which was slow to react to a switch in play. With 22 minutes gone,
the Magpies were behind 14 points to 0.
To their credit, the Magpies responded the best way possible – a try of their own.
In came in the 36th minute when Wests five eight David Harris put in a long kick
which was knocked on close to the Tigers line. After winning the scrum, a flat
pass was collected at pace by second row forward Leivaha Pula who put the ball
under the black dot. Joshua Murray’s conversion reduced the Tigers lead to just
8 points.
The second half was played in heavy rain, but this did not stop the Tigers putting
on two further tries. The first came after 15 minutes when replacement forward
Chris Corby forced his way over and then in the closing stages of the game Sam
Latu, capping off a good game, crossed for his second. Sean Meaney took the
extras which helped his team record a 24 points to 6 win.
Scorers for the Magpies: 1 try to Leivaha Pulu and 1 conversion to Joshua
Murray.
Scorers for the Tigers: 2 tries to Sam Latu and 1 each to Keith Eshman,
Nathan Waters and Chris Corby. Sean Meaney kicked two goals.
Leos best three: Josh Davis, Troy O’Sullivan and David Harris.
Players’ player medallion: Shared - Mitch Achurch and Cassiano Jr Aiga.
Next Game: Round 15 Wests play Cronulla 3pm Saturday 18 June 2011
Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
No comments:
Post a Comment