With the 1995 premiership team in attendance, a large vocal crowd and Rob Burn playing his 100th game, the Tigers capped a memorable day for Canowindra Rugby League with an exciting 32-24 victory against Cargo Blue Heelers.
Clapped on by the Tigers past players, it was an enthusiastic outfit that took the field at 3pm.
Big Kepu Nathan started the ball rolling storming over from a Damian Kennedy pass left of the posts after only five minutes. Charles Lawrence was next before Cargo replied to make the score 10-6.
In his 100th game Rob Burn looked very dangerous and scooted over and the Tigers led 16-6.
Some entertaining play saw Captain Coach Damian Kennedy sneak over to score in the corner and Rob’s conversion took the Tigers to 22-6 at half time.
After the break Cargo started well with two tries to livewire hooker Adam Clunes and closed the gap to 22-18.
With the game in the balance, enter Brian Moss, Brian in a scintillating display set up two tries and took the game away from the Blue Heelers almost singlehandedly.
In the dying moments of the game Brian crossed for what would have been a fitting, well deserved try, only to be disallowed by the referee, in the final set Cargos hardworking back rower Dane Thornberry crossed for the final try of the match.
For Cargo no one tried harder then Captain Coach Mat Watson and centre Tim Shephard.
The Tigers were best served by Damian Kennedy who led the team about the park well, Brian Moss and flyer Wahie Upegeto.
The coach also had plenty of praise for hooker Rob Burn.
“Robbie gives 100% every single game, today was no different and he deserved a win in his 100th game for the club.”
The victory will certainly have people in Woodbridge Cup circles scratching their heads as the tigers form has been all over the place the last six weeks.
When quizzed on the Tigers last six weeks a puzzled Kennedy offered the following “It’s certainly been an interesting year, not just the last six weeks.
“The season started so well with the newcomers living and working in town, a good pre-season and a good start to the year, then one by one minor incidents resulted in major injuries and the losses just disrupted the entire squad.
“Then the fire at our major sponsor Canowindra Services Club, well honestly the only way is up. We now face Condobolin in an elimination semi final come Sunday and if we all work hard we’re a chance of going on and playing week two.”
There is no doubt the win wouldn’t have been achieved with out the vocal support of the past players who lifted the team.
Canowindra 32 (Dave Bermingham 2, Rob Burn, Charles Lawrence, Damian Kennedy, Kepu Nathan tries. Rob Burn 4 goals) defeated Cargo 24.
In the League Tag match it was all tied up at half time before the girls kicked on in the second half.
Jess McMullen again led the way and was backed up by Sarah Cummings, and Nicole Stevenson. The reliable Maddie Vitnell was players’ player. Canowindra 7 (Jess Dzerigas 3, Maddie Vitnell 2, Nicole Stevenson, Tara Grant tries) defeated Cargo 4.
Open juniors
The open juniors wound up the regular season with a thumping of Cabonne united on Sunday.
The Roos were never in the hunt as the tigers romped home with a 44-12 victory.
The tigers finished with the minorpremiership.
The tigers now have the week off before taking on Peak Hill to see who is first into the grand final.
Finals Week One
Canowindra’s League tag team play in the elimination semi-final against Cargo at Molong on Saturday with a 1:10pm kick off
First grade take on Condobolin in the elimination semi final at Eugowra on Sunday kicking off at 2:30pm.
Email a friend