Fourteen players and a jumper full of pride in themselves, their club and their town. Totally committed for 80 minutes.
But despite an enormous effort by Canowindra on the weekend, the Tigers have bowed out of the Woodbridge Cup competition for 2006.
In hot conditions the Tigers were beaten by the Burrangong Bears 52 points to 36.
Canowindra had three players return to the team but somehow lost four through the week to again play with 14 players.
Kendall Graham was unfortunate with only five minutes into the game when a head clash saw him finish the game and Canowindra play with only 13.
After ten minutes the scores were nil all, before the football gods left Canowindra and saw Burrangong score 34 points in a 15 minute period.
Canowindra touched the ball once during this time while everything the Bears touched turned to gold. The Tigers knew that with some ball they could still turn the game.
Finally Canowindra got some possession and through good running from big Les Archer the team scored 14 points in the 15 minutes before half time.
Les Archer crossed first followed by Andrew Pull and then Brian Moss.
Pat Kennedy converted one try.
Some wise words at half time and the never say die attitude of the team saw the second half revival continue through tries to Les Archer and Rusty Kennedy. The score was 34 to 24.
With all that momentum, again luck deserted Canowindra with a difficult call against them seeing Burrangong scoot over and edge ahead.
Pat Kennedy again bridged the gap with a sensational converted try brining the score to 40 to 30.
A disallowed try against Moey Bermingham off a forward pass would have perhaps given Canowindra enough inspiration to finally get in front of the Bears.
It was certainly the right decision by the referee but a little bit of luck was all the Tigers needed.
In the last five minutes the Burrangong reserves finally wore Canowindra down scoring two tries. Fittingly though Canowindra were to score the last try of the match through Brian Moss. The final score being 52 to 36.
Try scorers were Les Archer two, Brian Moss two, Andrew Pull, Rusty Kennedy and Pat Kennedy all scored one try each and Pat Kennedy kicked four goals.
Led by Craig Newcombe the entire team played extremely well. There were too many good players to single out one.
The Tigers that showed courage and the enormous spirit that this club knows by performing on Sunday were: Dean Brien, David Sargent, Craig Newcombe, Andrew Pull, David Bermingham, Clayton Farr, Damien Kennedy, George Delaney, Pat Kennedy, Brian Moss, Brock White, Kendall Graham, Tim Bray and Les Archer.
Rob Burn and Greg Middleton both with serious injuries were there on the day assisting the team. Robert Freimayer also carrying a serious injury has been a tower of strength all season, was unable to be with the boys on Sunday.
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Well done to all those mentioned. The enormity of the effort was shown by the fact all of the other clubs present at the game were cheering for the Tigers during their revival.
The above mentioned players are to be commended on their dedication shown by their realisation that he Club and their sponsors made available their funds to register these players and field the Tigers for the 2006 season.
Next season is a new season and hopefully committed people will put up their hands to participate.
Before next season though Canowindra will host the Grand Final Qualifiers this coming weekend.
Game one is at 12.00 midday and will see the young, fast Grenfell Goannas take on the Koorawatha Jets.
The second game will see Cargo Blue Heelers play Burrangong Bears with the kick off at 1.30pm.
The Goannas will possibly be too fast for Koorawatha but with country player Will Merritt in the Koorawatha side anything is possible.
The star studded Cargo side should be too strong for the Bears, although if Burrangong get another golden period then they may at last get on top of the Blue Heelers.
Grand final day will be August 27 and the Woodbridge Cup Dinner will be Friday September 1 and all players and their partners are encouraged to attend.
Our own Presentation Dinner will be held shortly after.
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