WITH the men's first grade side having another week off due to Kandos not fielding a men's team this season, it was down to the league tag ladies to fly the flag for the town as they hosted the Kandos Waratahs at home.
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After a comprehensive 26-6 victory, Oberon has now secured a semi-final spot with only two more matches left in the round.
Both sides were down on numbers, with the Tigers particularly hit hard with injuries, including season-ending injuries to point-scoring machine, Lourie Bailey, and Bec Fletcher.
Adding to the team's woes, Ella Brien and Bek McCusker were also sidelined, and Jacinda Snow bravely carried a number of injuries into the game.
The first 10 minutes of the game belonged to the home side with a dominant display of attacking and defensive football, frustrating Kandos and limiting the visitors' territory and time with the ball.
Renee Newstead opened the scoring for the Tigers with a neat try which she converted to establish a 6-0 early lead.
Jade and Masey Taggart were running freely and were heavily involved with Oberon's early attacking raids, as was Georgie Rich, who is one of the Tigers' most consistent players.
Eventually, Kandos were able to apply pressure back on the Tigers and, after sustained possession on the home side's tryline, were able to break through with a converted try to level up the score.
The Tigers responded as half-time approached. Newstead, steering the attack, sent Georgie Rich away on a long run which ended with Masey Taggart finding the line. Newstead again converted the try to have the Tigers leading 12-6.
Katie Sutherland, playing fullback to replace the injured Bailey, started to make her presence felt. Her kick-returns beat defenders every time due to her incisive running, nullifying any territorial gains Kandos could mount.
Newstead's kicking game also lifted a notch as she found her range and continually pinned the Waratahs deep into their own corners, denying them any chance of gaining momentum.
The Tigers came out from the break with all guns blazing and this time it was Rich who scored the try of the day after a clever inside pass from Newstead sent Jade Taggart away on a 40-metre break to eventually link up with Rich. Newstead had her kicking boots on and moved the score out to 18-6.
The remainder of the game had all the running with the home team as Newstead snatched a well-deserved try out of nothing with a metre of ground to work in, mesmerising the Kandos defenders.
With five minutes remaining, Sutherland was making huge gains with every touch of the ball, putting in a 'best and fairest' display.
In one of her kick returns, she beat every defender before drawing the fullback and sending Jade Taggart on a 50-metre dash, only to be tagged on the line before she could score.
From the ensuing play, the Tigers spun the ball back towards the other sideline for Masey Taggart to stroll over unopposed to post the final try of the match for a Tigers victory 26-6.
There were some encouraging signs from the depleted Tigers, with Shanaya Brady making her first appearance and showcasing her impressive speed as she ran down a certain try from Kandos in the dying seconds of the match.
Amanda Newstead also got through a mile of defensive work as she plugged any gaps in centre-field.
This Saturday, the Tigers are scheduled to travel to Lithgow to take on the Bears.
The following week, July 3, is one for the calendar with the Tigers planning a huge day to host their Can Assist charity round against Orange Warriors.
This promises to be an event not to be missed!