The Canowindra Tigers put together one of the club’s best comebacks in recent years on Saturday night, recovering from a 38-18 deficit with 20 minutes remaining to register a 40-all draw against Peak Hill.
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The result spells the end of Canowindra’s finals hopes, but the performance was one to be proud of for coach Barry Traves who heaped praise on his young squad after the match.
“Today was one of the best comebacks in a second-half I’ve seen, especially from a very young side,” Traves said.
“They got a little bit more ball in the second-half. And the way they went about it was inspiring. It shows the true spirit of Canowindra rugby league.”
The Tigers lead 40-36 inside the final five minutes but Peak Hill crossed during the last play of the match before their goal-kicker sent the conversion wide.
“It was very entertaining. Everyone who was there would have been proud of the side,” Traves said.
Canowindra’s goal-kicking proved costly with the Tigers scoring two more tries than their opposition.
The hosts shot to an early 8-6 lead before Peak Hill piled on three unanswered tries for a 24-8 lead.
The Tigers struck back moments before the break to head into the sheds facing a 24-12 deficit.
The two sides traded tries from the restart taking the score to 36-18.
From there Canowindra clicked into gear scoring 22-unanswered points to take a 40-36 lead with only minutes remaining.
A late Roosters try in the corner leveled the scores and the conversion attempt sailed wide.
“Canowindra football is looking good,” Traves said.
“We will miss out on the semis because of that draw. We gave them a big shake. I’m very proud.”
Jayden Brown picked up players’ player and three points, while Mick Clyburn was awarded two and Jayden Smith and Callum Clyburn one point each.
The Tigers take on Trundle this week before the next weekend’s final game of the regular season against Eugowra at home.
“Finishing off the year with a couple of wins would be great,” Traves said.
Meanwhile League tag had a 34-8 win against Peak Hill marking the side’s third victory of the year.
Grenfell leads league tag while Trundle leads Woodbridge Cup.