The claws are out: Nick Dawson from Tingha crawls from a tackle by Joe Foster as Jake Kelly moves in.
SATURDAY saw a bumper crowd pack into Rugby League Park for the season opener in what was a great day of rugby league action.
In the ladies league tag match, Tingha secured a big victory however it must be said that the Tenterfield team already looks more confident than last season and it won’t be long until they put some wins on the board.
The Tingha side put together some brilliant team attacking play and the Tenterfield side itself will be looking to establish the same sort of combinations as they grow together as a team.
In the under 18s match, the Tenterfield boys went down 30-22, but won over the big crowd with their commitment and never-say-die attitude.
Their chances of winning took a cruel blow when leader Jarrod McIntosh was helped from the field with a broken collarbone and were dented further when star centre Jake Landers left the field with a hamstring injury.
The boys were forced to finish the match undermanned and were courageous in defeat. A highlight of the match was giant young prop Richard Taber crossing for a double.
The reserve grade boys also looked a far more committed line up in their first match, eventually going down 36-14. They were led well by veteran hard man Shaun Bird and recovered well to keep themselves in the match after being down early. Tingha were grand finalists in reserve grade last season and if the reserve grade boys can keep that effort up in coming weeks, victories are sure to come.
Many spectators were left disappointed in the A grade match as Nathan Blacklock took up a coaching position and failed to take the field.
Tenterfield went down 34-8 but just like the under 18s, won over plenty of admirers for their effort. Injuries also took their toll on Tenterfield in this match but all players continued to compete right to the final whistle.
The side that took the field on Saturday featured only four players over the age of 23 and many of the young brigade are still teenagers.
It was a great learning experience for these boys and it is hoped supporters will stick with the team and support them throughout the season.
The Tigers will now take a break over Easter and return to the field on Saturday, April 14 in all four grades in an away match against Glen Innes.
The club would like to sincerely thank all spectators for their attendance on Saturday, your presence gives all the players a lift and the club looks forward to your continued support throughout the season.
Tenterfield Rugby League Club