Tigers Fanging For Revenge In Bulldogs Grudge Match

Illawarra Mercury

Saturday June 9, 2007

By TIM KEEBLE

PAYBACK is high on the agenda for the Batemans Bay Tigers in tomorrow's Group Seven showdown with arch rivals Milton-Ulladulla at Mackay Park.

The Bay are one of three teams on 10 points behind Milton (12) and unbeaten leaders Albion Park-Oak Flats.

Fresh off last week's bye, the Tigers are keen to avenge a 38-30 away loss to the Bulldogs in the season's opening round.

"It's a huge game for us," Batemans Bay captain-coach Matt Schubert said.

"Milton's always our grudge match and we want to get one back after they got over the top of us in the last meeting.

"It'd be good to win a few on the trot, so hopefully we'll get a win and give ourselves a good kick-start for the second half of the season."

The Tigers usually match the top teams in attack but often struggle to contain the opposition. Schubert said his side was aware of their defensive shortcomings and had worked hard to become more committed to tackling.

"We're a pretty good attacking side and sometimes we just think we can out-score teams, but our defence is the second-worst in the Group and it's an area we've worked on a lot in the last couple of weeks," he said.

"Our defence will certainly have to be strong against Milton and and we need to make a more concerted defensive effort for the rest of the season."

The Tigers are still without injured forwards Wayne Sing (ankle), Brian Stephenson (hand) and Kolo Fifita (ankle). The trio is expected to return in the next few weeks.

Schubert named Bulldogs playmaker Greg Sherwin and former Michael Cronin Medal recipient Adam Stone as the greatest threats to his side tomorrow.

Dogs forward Brett Cox was injured last week but the Tigers expect him to play.

"We've trained thinking he's playing," Schubert said.

Warilla host Kiama in tomorrow's other game.

Meanwhile, Shellharbour are quietly confident of upsetting Albion Park-Oak Flats tonight at Ron Costello Oval.

Eagles centre Sean Jenkins converted Steve Butfield's try with two minutes to play to seal an 18-16 win over Kiama last week.

Nowra are at home to Berry-Shoalhaven Heads in today's other match.

© 2007 Illawarra Mercury

Back to News Index | Back to Home