Panthers travelled to Oberon riding high on the competition ladder while the Tigers came into the match still battling to live up to expectations this year.

But it was the Tigers who came out on top in a nail biter in front of a packed sports ground to the tune of 24-16, advancing for the first time this season into the top five.

From the outset the powerful packs from both sides set about their business, challenging each other in a battle that raged from one end of the field to the other. Jackson Brien came close to breaking the deadlock with a surge down the left edge only to be driven into touch.

What followed what was probably the best play of the day.

The deadlock was broken when Brenton Gibson produced an amazing leap to defuse a bomb on his own 25-metre line before taking off upfield with Panthers in hot pursuit.

The cavalry arrived in the shape of Abel Lefaoseu who clapped on the pace before drawing the Panthers’ fullback to send Ben McAlpine over for a 6-0 lead.

With both teams engaging in savage defence it was ex-Tiger Josh Rivett, playing on the right wing for the Panthers, who latched onto a cross-field kick from Doug Hewitt to get the Panthers on the board. The conversion sailed wide and the scoreline remained 6-4.

The Oberon pack, led by Dave Sellers and Mickey Hawkings, were hitting hard and getting on top of the Panthers.

After gaining field position it was make-shift five-eighth Josh Starling who threw a missile pass to Andy Adams stationed out wide to link up with crowd favourite Jackson Brien who, despite the attention of desperate defence, posted Oberon’s second try. 

Up 12-4 and spurred on by a vocal home crowd, the Tigers punished the Panthers with ferocious defence. At one point Tyler Hughes absolutely poll-axed gun Panthers player, Blake Lawson, to show how much the Tigers wanted this win.

In the sheds at half time captain/coach Luke Branighan, making only his second appearance this year due to injury, was happy with the performance but acknowledged that his team had a fair bit of first half possession and therefore the game was far from being won.

His words rang true as the Panthers toughed it out in the face of some very heavy hits from the likes of Starling and company to strike back early and post points. With the score at 12-8 the Bathurst boys were on the hunt.

A McAlpine penalty shortly after kept the Panthers at bay 14-8 but that wasn’t going to stop the Bathurst momentum. 

New Panthers recruit Josh Rivett was able to use every inch of ground to take a high kick and score for the Panthers out wide. The scoreline was narrowed to just 14-12 after an unsuccessful conversion and the strong Bathurst outfit was gaining confidence. 

A try in the 22nd minute saw Panthers hit the lead for the first time in the match at 16-14. There were 15 minutes to go but nothing was going the way of Oberon and the dark clouds were circling. 

Against all odds, however, and in a true show of grit and determination, the Oberon Tigers lifted and Brien ploughed over in front of the best supporters in Group 10 to edge the Tigers in front 18-14 with just minutes to go. 

As the clock ticked down the Panthers had one last throw of the dice with a short kick-off but Lefaoseu was able to win the race for the ball and then send a determined Tui Oloapu on his way to seal the win with a try in the corner. McAlpine converted for a 24-16 victory. 

The Tigers showed a steely determination with this win, possibly due to the fact that club legend Jock Schrader had made the trip in a purpose-built vehicle to cheer on his beloved team. It was sight to behold as Jock’s headlights flashed his approval from a Tiger who stands for everything this club represents.

Next Sunday the Tigers host the high-flying Orange Hawks who are on top of the ladder. League Tag starts at 10.30am and the Premier League runs on at 2.15pm. The Old Tiges breakfast will kick off at 9am.