A penalty in extra time ended Oberon Tigers’ Centennial Coal Cup hopes for 2010 when they went down 28-26 to Blackheath in their semi-final on Sunday.
Four minutes into the sudden death extra time the Tigers were defending their line with only 12 men and the scores the scores locked at 26-all. The Tigers’ had held Blackheath out for a couple of sets and their defence was looking good. Then, on the last tackle, Blackheath elected to run the ball, even though in good position to take a Golden Point field goal. When Blackheath lost possession after a strong tackle over the top by Brian Maher the referee ruled two in the tackle and that the ball had been stripped rather than jolted free. The resulting penalty was a two point gift as Blackheath’s Daniel McCreanor kicked the goal from directly in front of the posts. The kick ended the match and Tigers hopes of reaching the 2010 Coal Cup grand final.
The game had started well for the Oberon with Blackheath misjudging the strength of the freezing wind - out on the full from the kick-off.
From the resulting penalty the Tigers started a strong attacking set with powerful runs up the middle by Luke Christie Johnston and Jake Newland, and Blackheath was on the back foot. A quick play the ball, then a scurry through the defence close to the line and Trevor Long crossed for Oberon's first try which was converted by Leighton Roberts.
Blackheath was struggling in defence with the speed of the play-the-balls and continued battering runs up the middle by the Tigers’ forward pack. The Tigers next try was scored out wide by Scott Hawkins after some good ball movement. The Tigers were looking as though they would continue on from the strong finish against Kandos the week before.
A run of possession for Blackheath then had the Tigers defending and copping penalty after penalty for high tackles and holding down in the tackles. Blackheath rolled on for set after set, eventually breaking through the Tigers defence for a try close to the posts by their captain Ryan Evans. Continued possession for Blackheath then tested the Tigers’ defence and another three tries and a conversion saw Blackheath running to a comfortable lead. With the half-time break looming some good lead-up work by the Tigers ended with Tyler Hughes crossing for another Oberon try. The conversion was unsuccessful but Oberon was still in the match with Blackheath leading 20-14 at half-time.
Blackheath started the second half strongly and the penalties continued to go their way. That allowed them to roll down the field against a Tigers defence that was scrambling to hold them out for the first 10 minutes of the second half. A try to Blackheath half back Aaron Kelso gave them a good 24-14 lead but the Tigers again dug deep with a good try to Jamie O'Neil who ran through a gap up the middle. The conversion was successful, bringing the score to Blackheath 24, Oberon 20.
The Tigers were starting to gain momentum and looking the stronger side when Jamie O'Neil was sent from the field for a late tackle on Blackheath playmaker, Chriss Kable. Blackheath’s Tristan Howard was also sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes after becoming involved in a scuffle following the late tackle incident. With both teams down to 12 men, Tigers Number Six Trevor Long took on the line, found a gap and crossed for another four-pointer. Leighton Roberts converted and the Tigers were back in front 26-24.
The Tigers worked their interchange bench well in an attempt to keep 12 strong defenders on the field. A try to Evan Roberts was disallowed after he was deemed offside by the touch judge. With the Tigers 12-man defence continually being tested Tyler Hughes at full back defused several high kicks on the Tigers line under pressure.
A penalty goal right on full time to Blackheath meant the scores were locked at 26-all.
In a gutsy team effort the Tigers played the final 24 minutes with 12 men - it was a very disappointed but proud group of players who returned to the sheds with their season over.
The Oberon Tigers applaud and thank the large crowd of supporters who braved the cold conditions to cheer them on. They are also grateful for the support throughout the year of major sponsors: Cut n Groove Constructions, Bathurst Toyota, Oberon Quarries, Saul's Grading Service and Oliver sandblasting. Thank you.
The Centennial Coal Cup grand final will be decided between Lithgow Bears and the Blackheath Cats at the Lithgow showground, this Saturday, August 28, with a 2:30pm kick-off.
The Oberon Rugby League Football Club AGM will be held Tuesday, September 14, starting at 6:30pm at the Oberon Leagues Sport and Recreation Club. All interested - committee, players, coaches, team managers and support staff - are urged to attend.
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