Pictures by Nike Shean
The Oaks Tigers have continued their good start to the 2015 Group Six Rugby League season with a hard fought 18-16 win over Narellan on Sunday afternoon.
But although the Tigers will be content to take the two points from their home win, but coach Matthew Brasington knows they can play much better football than was shown at Dudley Chesham Oval.,
Narellan actually opened the scoring through Stuart Mason, following a nice backline play to begin the afternoon’s proceedings in front of a small but vocal crowd.
Brasington’s brother and Tigers five eighth Mitchell returned serve for the Tigers, with a good lead up run before the Tigers began their scoring.
The Jets were down to 12 men following a sin bin for dissent after a penalty.
New Tigers signing Ben Henderson opened his account for the club shortly after the penalty, with Ross Brown and halfback Bryce Hoskins setting up the try to give the Tigers a 12-4 lead after 19 minutes.
The game never reached any great heights, with plenty of dropped ball from both sides, and the scoreline didn’t move at the interval, with The Oaks in front by 8 points.
Narellan opened the scoring again in the second half, with Wilson Faanoa crossing to reduce the lead to only two points.
Tempers were frayed in the second half, when an altercation took place following a play the ball incident. Jets’ Rod Merritt and Fraser were both sent off, while The Oaks had a player sent to the sin bin.
Shortly after that incident, Tigers prop Ross Brown crossed to score, with the Tigers having a one man advantage at the time.
Jermaine Haule gave the Jets some hope, when he scored with 12 minutes remaining, but the Tigers showed plenty of resolve to hold on and record an 18-16 victory, their second from three matches.
Tigers coach Matthew Brasington was pleased with the win, but knew the team hadn’t played their best, despite the final scoreline.
Brasington admitted his team had to work on ball control, and was critical of the decisions made by referees during the match, suggesting action should have been taken earlier by the officials.
Narellan coach Shayne McMenemy was disappointed by the performance from his side, and knows they have plenty of work to do to climb the ladder.
McMenemy was pleased with the efforts put in from his side, but knows their handling needs to be better when they meet Campbelltown City next weekend.
ROUND THREE RESULTS:
First Grade – Picton Magpies 52 Camden Rams 0; Moss Vale Dragons 30 Thirlmere Roosters 20; Appin Dogs 48 Oakdale Workers 20; Mittagong Lions 26 Campbelltown City Kangaroos 38; The Oaks Tigers 18 Narellan Jets 16
Ladder – Picton, Appin 6; Moss Vale 5; The Oaks, Camden 4; Campbelltown City 3; Mittagong 2; Narellan, Thirlmere, Oakdale 0
ROUND FOUR DRAW – All games on Sunday, 2.30pm kick off:
Appin Dogs vs Camden Rams;
The Oaks Tigers vs Picton Magpies;
Campbelltown City vs Narellan Jets;
Mittagong Lions vs Thirlmere Roosters;
Oakdale Workers vs Moss Vale Dragons
