OBERON Quarries, JELD-WEN Tigers rattled up a 44 to 28 win over the Portland Colts in a fine display of attacking football at the Tigers Den on Saturday.
It was obvious from the start there would be plenty of emotion in this match following the clash between these teams in last year’s grand final . There were some big hits involving the forwards in the early phases.
It was Trev Long, returning from injury, who threaded his way through the opposition with a long, searching run who put the Portland team on the back foot. Then, in the fifth minute, Jake Newland proved unstoppable on the burst and posted the first Tigers try.
In the 15th minute, after some great lead-up work by the backs helped Dallas Booth score a good try. His conversion was successful and Oberon led 10-0.
Forwards Jamie O’Neill, Scott Brennan, Nathan Booth, Jake Newland and Dean Christie-Johnston were all showing good form. This allowed the backs space to show their worth with Shane Green showing the way. Fullback John McGrath, having his typical strong game, chimed in to the back line and chip-kicked for flying winger Michael Gibbons who touched down in the 20th minute to make the score 14-0. Next it was Spice showing determination who found the line with Dallas converting for a 20-0 lead after 30 minutes.
The boys seemed to relax after this early onslaught, and a few indiscretions allowed Portland to score two converted tries to make it 20-12. A great inside ball from Michael Gibbons put Herb O’Bernier over, on the half-time bell. The try followed another great backline raid and the Tigers were back in the driver’s seat 24-12.
Trev Long, who was having a strong game, touched down in the 41st minute extending the Tigers lead to 28-12. There was no let-up for the scoreboard attendant as Luke Walsh finished off a nice team try for the Colts. Michael Handley converted and the score was 28-18. Luke Chrisie-Johnston was relishing the heavy work after being sidelined for a few weeks through injury. In the 50th minute he scored a determined try. Dallas converted and it was 34-18.
Every time the Tigers stole a march the Colts would find something extra to throw at the locals. In the 55th minute Neil scored. Another promising raid by Portland saw Mitch Flyn touch down. The conversion was successful and it was 34-28. Portland were back, but not for long as Johnny McGrath cut through the defence from a mid field scrum, drew the full-back and slipped a neat pass to a rampaging Dallas Booth who showed a clean pair of heals to score under the posts. That made the kick slightly easier for himself and the core was 40-28. It was Reece Finlay who wrapped up the scoring with a nice solo effort splitting the defence and running 30 metres to score. Well done Reece. You do really enjoy your footy.
The game was very entertaining for the large crowd, and it was good to see all the boys put in. The benchies all played well. Adam Tosic was hard to stop, and slipped a great pass in traffic to send Spice over.
A good effort overall, but the defence has to toughen up on our try line. The tackling bags will be out Tuesday night.
Players player: John McGrath, with three points to Jamie O’Neill for playing his best game ever. John McGrath scored two points and Herb O’Bernier one.
The winner of the Caltex Oils plus $100 fuel voucher was Robert Christie-Johnston. Next week the Tigers are away to play Wang.
The club’s new public address system has has been installed and was used on Saturday.
It is a wonderful addition to the Oberon sports complex and the result of a great a combined effort by the Junior League, Senior League and JELD-WEN, who all shared the cost of more than $8,000.
The success of the project shows how sporting bodies and industry can work together for a better outcome for the sporting public. Allen Benson and Peter Elwin were very impressed with their new toy. Let’s not forget the great work of Bill Burton who for years has supplied his own PA system to our club for our use and kept it in working order.
Ken Nicholl Memorial Trophy: The senior league committee thanks Kay Nicholl and family for donating a trophy in Ken’s memory.
Ken was one of Oberon’s legendary footballers. He was a tough, bruising defender who played inside centre. The trophy will be awarded to the most outstanding defender from all grades. Like a Tiger
Football complex: With good news all round the football club and the commitment of both Junior League and senior league committees we are hoping for a quick agreement between Council and the Leagues Club on the settlement of our football complex, so future planning can be undertaken.
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