EVERYTHING went pear shaped for Wingham in th e first half of the Group Three Rugby League game against Wauchope at Wingham.
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The Tigers trailed 16-6 at the break and had been reduced to 12 players after centre Tim Bridge was sent off by referee Cory Richardson on a head butting charge. Wingham’s minor premiership hopes looked in tatters.
Things didn’t improve much early in the second half when a Trent Green pass was intercepted by Wauchope fullback Sam Watts and he sped 70 metres to cross under the posts. Watts then converted the try and the Blues held a 22-6 lead.
But from there the tempo of the game changed. The Tigers, aided by a steady flow of possession, clawed their way into the contest. Consecutive tries to centre Tyler Atkins reduced the margin to 22-16. Wingham kept pounding the Wauchope defensive line and finally hooker Mitch Collins made a dash and slipped a pass to Green who worked his way over. Winger Michael Bailey was spot-on with the conversion and the scores were locked at 22-22.
All the momentum was going Wingham’s way and captain-coach Kurt Lewis managed to find another gap in the Wauchope defence to score the match winner. Lewis, who is still recovering from a back injury sustained last match against Port City, started the match from the bench. Bailey slotted the goal and the home side led for the first time in the match.
Lewis said later he was proud of the way his team fought back, saying they showed plenty of character. He admits he’s not 100 per cent fit but will play in the match against Port Macquarie next Sunday. The game could decide the minor premier and the venue for the major semi-final on Sunday September 4.
Life for Goward
MORE than 20 life members of the Wingham Rugby League Club were present to honour the club’s newest ‘lifer’, Wayne Goward at a presentation held at the Wingham Sporting Complex.
Mr Goward has been involved with the Tigers since 1985. This also included a lengthy stint with the Wingham Junior Rugby League Club.
At various times he’s served as secretary, treasurer and team manager. While he isn’t currently on the club’s committee, he remains the registrar.
Mr Goward nominated Brian Wilson and Andy Guy as two of the better players he’s seen in the black of gold Tiger jumper, while he rates Kim Patrick’s effort in the 1989 grand final win as the best individual performance he’s witnessed.