Gallant Tigers Capture First Stripes
Illawarra Mercury
Monday June 2, 2008
BATEMANS Bay came back from the dead to notch their first win of the Group Seven league season against Kiama on Saturday at Mackay Park.
Tigers fans feared the worst when the home team fell behind 26-16 early in the second half.But the Bay responded with three unanswered tries to set up a morale-boosting 36-30 victory.Kiama had won three straight heading into the clash, and the loss to the likely wooden spooners could prove costly in the inevitable late-season rush for finals invitations.The Tigers bolted to a 12-0 lead after tries to Nathan Harrison and captain Ben Ralston.Converted tries to John Dale and Kal Baird tied the score at 12-12 before Will Merritt's try gave Batemans Bay a 16-12 lead.But Dale scored his second and Marc Duncan also crossed to put the Knights up 22-16 at half-time.Centre Jeremy Alger's try gave the visitors a 26-16 lead but the Tigers dragged themselves off the mat, with Joe Smart's try igniting the comeback.Smart then set up Merritt's second try and Tony Greer's try made it 34-26.Gerard Dennis added the icing on the cake with a penalty goal before Kiama's Luke Gilmore scored a late consolation try.The Tigers will be keen to make Shellharbour their next scalp in round nine at Ron Costello Oval.
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury
