In a match played in slippery conditions, Oberon fielded a severly understrength side. 

Trent Rose, Blake Fitzpatrick and Luke Christie Johnston were out of the team after being suspended following a dangerous lifting tackle during Oberon’s loss to Bathurst St Pat’s a fortnight ago and George Rose was out following an earlier suspension.

Despite the large number of changes due to the suspensions and injury, the Tigers fought hard in the match.

But they found it hard to gain momentum after their line-up had only one training session together after the late changes.

Coach Zac Rowlandson said the changes affected the whole club as Oberon had to draw on players from first division and the under 18s.

“CYMS got away early with the point scoring and were up 30-0 at half-time,” he said.

Not wanting to make excuses for the error-ridden performance, Rowlandson said it was just one of those days for his side, which was best served by centres Jackson Brien and Abel Lefaoseu.

“We’re missing six or seven of our regulars, so we knew it would be tough. We’re still reasonably positive, though,” Rowlandson said.

“Most of their tries came from kicks or our own errors, silly dropped balls and things like that.

“That for and against is going to hurt us, but we’ll get all our troops back for the right end of the season. We’ll be fine.”

Despite the loss, the Tigers retain the competition lead on points difference. CYMS are in fourth.

Following Sunday’s round, the Tigers and St Pat’s are on 16 points and Bathurst Panthers and CYMS are on 15.

Oberon will play Lithgow Workies on Friday night at Tony Luchetti Ground with women’s tag and under 18s playing at 6pm. 

Premier league will start at 7pm.