It was Eugowra Old Boys Day for round nine Woodbridge Cup action at Eugowra on Saturday, where the Canowindra Tigers put up a mammoth effort as the visiting side.
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Canowindra showed great resilience throughout the 80 minutes, edging ahead for the first time in the 70th minute, before conceding a late try to suffer a 22-20 loss.
Jayden Brown continued his form picking up players’ players while new recruits Vilise Rabotini and Napoloini Navulavua both showed promise in their debuts for the Tigers.
Coach Barry Traves is confident the Tigers will take plenty out of the loss and will improve in the second half of the season.
“It was a very, very close game,” Traves said.
“We gave away consecutive penalties inside the last five minutes leading to the winning Eugowra try.
“As always a good clash against Eugowra. Just a little unlucky for the boys to not get up today.
“We’re in a lot better position now. I’m sure we can be a force in the second round.”
Eugowra dominated the opening exchanges scoring two tries inside the game’s first 10 minutes to lead 10-0.
Canowindra posted next points through a Callum Clyburn try off the back of a 40/20 from Jayden Brown about half and hour in.
Marika Kirkoroivai added the extras for the margin to be reduced to 10-6.
A mistake from the restart proved costly as Eugowra went across out wide to lead 14-6 but a late try to Brown which was converted by Marika made it 14-12 at the break.
Eugowra responded by posting first points of the second-half courtesy of a strong run from their centre who brushed off multiple Tigers defenders.
Canowindra continued to stay within reach of Eugowra with Napoloini Navulavula scoring his first try in Tigers colours, before edging ahead moments later 20-18 with 10 minutes remaining.
Eugowra gave the strong home crowd plenty to cheer about in the final exchanges scoring and regaining the lead to win 22-18.
Jayden Brown was voted players’ player.
Three points Napoloini Navulavula, two points Vilise Rabotini and one point to Tim Wythes and Jayden Brown.