They're only two weeks into the Woodbridge Cup season but the Canowindra Tigers are already showing they will be contenders again in 2024.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Across the paddock the Tigers had too much firepower when they took on the Molong Bulls on the weekend, running out 44-6 winners.
A first half converted try to Molong's Jye Barrow was the only blot on a near perfect defensive performance from the Tigers.
But it was the Tigers attack that really stood out. Doubles to Ryan Clarke and Nathan Barlow highlighted a day which saw the Tigers cross for eight tries, six of which were converted by Tom Treasure who added to his points tally with a four pointer of his own.
The Tigers opened play full of enthusiasm and just three minutes had passed on the clocks when the evergreen Ron Lawrence offloaded to Luke Watt who scored next to the posts.
The try was converted by Joe Treasure and the Tigers were on their way.
Barrow then crossed for a converted try for Molong shortly after for what were to be the Bulls only points of the game.
After doing the lead up work for Canowindra's first try Lawrence did it all himself for his side's second try, burrowing over close to the posts.
Treasure again converted.
Good play followed for the Tigers with combinations from the forward pack and backline resulting in an inside ball to Ryan Clarke, the Fred Astaire of the side, who scored under the posts.
Treasure again added the extras.
The Tigers' next try came off the back of a penalty five metres from the line which saw Ryan Clark regather a clever kick to score his second try. Joe Treasure again converted.
The second half was more of the same with tries to Nathan Barlow, Joe Treasure off a good ball from Brydon Hughes and Nathan Whatman.
The Tigers are back at home this Sunday with the juniors against Blayney and LT and first grade against Trundle.
Canowindra 32: Ryan Clarke 2, Nathan Barlow 2, Joe Treasure, Luke Watt, Nathan Whatman tries. Joe Treasure 6 goals defeated Molong 6: Jye Barrow try. Jye Barron 1 goal.
Youth League no match for Bulls
In Youth League the Canowindra Juniors were no match for the Molong Bulls who ran out 40-14 winners.
Slow out of the blocks the young Tigers found themselves down 6-0 after just one minute of play before Beau Bollinger crossed out wide to reduce the Bulls lead to 6-4.
The two sides exchanged blows from that point with Molong extending their lead off the back of a ricocheting kick before Ryan McKenzie forced his way over for Canowindra.
The Bulls added two more first half tries to their tally to go into the break up 24-8 which remained the score until the final 20 minutes of the match when, off the back of a Tigers error, Molong went up 28-8 and then 34-8.
The Tigers put some respectability into the score when, off the back of a Ethan Burling bomb, Jony Thurgate pounced for the final points of the game.
In League Tag Molong had no answer for the attacking prowess of Canowindra with the local girls running out 16-0 winners.
Woodbridge scores
Youth League - Cowra - Bye, Grenfell - Bye, Molong 40 def Canowindra 14. Blayney 12 v Orange 6
League Tag - Peak Hill - Bye, Grenfell 18 def Bathurst CSU 6. Canowindra 16 def Molong 0, Cargo 22 def Eugowra 18. Cowra 18 def Oberon 8, Manildra 32 def Trundle 4, Blayney 28 def Orange United 22.
First Grade - Peak Hill bye, Bathurst CSU 44 def Grenfell 40, Blayney 30 drew with Orange United 30, Canowindra 44 def Molong 6, v Canowindra 40, Cargo 38 def Eugowra 26, Oberon 26 drew with Cowra 26, Trundle 32 def Manildra 16.