WINGHAM won two of three matches at the Coffs Harbour Nines rugby league tournament in what coach Jamie Moorehead said was a worthwhile hitout for the Group Three season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Tigers took a squad of 15 to the nines, made up of regular first graders along with some of the club’s younger players.
Wingham had a bad start when going down to Bellingen, however, went on to record wins over Coffs Harbour (1) and (2).
“We’d just got off the bus before our first game,’’ Moorehead said.
“It was a learning experience and we had to adjust to nines football.’’
He was happy with all the players who made the trip, but said Rumone Jackson, Shannon Ellem, Kurt Lewis and Matt Bridge were outstanding. Just as importantly, the Tigers made it through the day without any major injury concerns.
“Michael Bailey rolled his ankle but he’ll be right for the opening round,’’ Moorehead said.
The Tigers now hope to lock in a trial against Stockton on Saturday March 11 – a week before the start of the Group Three pre-season.
Wingham will be on the road for the opening two matches of the Group Three season-proper.
The Tigers will meet premiers Port City on Saturday April 8 at Port Macquarie and Forster-Tuncurry at Tuncurry in the second round on Sunday April 23.