ICY cold wind and muddy conditions meant it was hard going for the Oberon Tigers on Sunday when they met Orange Hawks in the latest round of the Group 10 premier league competition.
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In a hard-fought affair, it was the resurgent Hawks who came away with a 16-8 win, the Orange outfit punishing late Oberon errors.
The Tigers had been a real chance to take the much-needed competition points as the game entered the final 10 minutes, but were unable to hold off the Hawks.
The result means the Tigers have won just two games so far this season, with seven losses and a draw making it one of their toughest periods this season.
As has been the case so many times this season, the final quarter of the match cruelled Oberon after they had been competitive up until that point. It is something coach Scott Traynor is looking to rectify immediately.
In the first half neither sides could really be separated, despite the higher completion rate and possession to the visiting team. It was just the one four pointer to Hawks’ centre Lawrence Fogg as he found some space out wide to score.
With the conversion unsuccessful, the Hawks spent plenty of time in Oberon’s half in the first 40 but couldn’t land the points, thanks to the hardworking Tigers’ defence. At the half, there was nothing in it at 4-0 Hawks’ way.
The second half brought some new found vigour in the Tigers’ attack. Oberon half Steve Lane exploited the Hawks’ outside backs, peppering them with kicks and testing the back three of Orange with high bombs and towering kicks in the treacherous conditions, and it was only a matter of time until it paid off.
Sixteen minutes in, Reece Finlay pounced on a drop ball from Hawks’ fullback Joe Lasagivbav to score and tie it up at four apiece.
From the ensuing kick-off, the Tigers were building pressure and looking the far more dominant side. Seven minutes later Finlay was at it again, forcing his way over to put the Tigers in front for the first time in the match at 8-4.
Oberon nearly made it a possible eight or 10-point lead several minutes later after another kick was put down from the Orange Hawks, but the conditions made it tough for the flying centre to scoop on the ball and it slipped from his grasp.
Despite the raids from the Tigers, Orange were able to build off some penalties and back-to- back sets in the final 10 minutes. A stabbing grubber kick under the posts from Orange Hawks brought great fortune, as they were able to get first plant on the ball, with second rower Travis Bubb claiming a try.
After the conversion, Orange stole back the lead at 10-8. With only minutes remaining, Orange were able to dominate possession and close out the match after some luck of their own and a cross field kick to fullback Lasagivbav, who ran around the Oberon defence to score. That sealed the deal for last season’s grand finalists and minor premiers, taking the match 16 points to eight.
It’s been a tough couple of months for Traynor’s boys, who are looking for that elusive win to kick-start some momentum and confidence within the group. This Sunday the boys will tackle the Cowra Magpies at home.
Under 16s kick off at 10.30am, girls league tag 11.30am, first division 12.30pm and premier league 2pm.
HAWKS 16 Tries J LASAGIVBAV, L FOGG, T BUBB. Goals B McGARITY 2/3 defeated OBERON 8 Tries R FINLAY 2.
