Tigers ravaged by Pumas

May 3rd 2008

Tigers 6 Peterlee 54

The open age squad was beaten by a much larger and organised squad on Saturday afternoon but the score line does not do justice to the valliant effort given by the Tigers. After literally managing to get 17 players at 1.30 the Tigers, with little preparation for this season, took to the field and despite looking small in comparison to the Pumas began with confidence holding the Pumas in their own half until the 15th minute when a lucky break saw the Tigers stumble. Not to be outdone the Tigers restarted by again dominating the Pumas and making groud with excellent defensive play and quick attacks allowing Dan Halliday to even the score. A great kick from Rich Macnair saw the Tigers take the lead. The size of the Pumas though was beginning to tell and the Tigets with limited subs began to crack slightly after long periods of briiliant defensive work. The Pumas again scored after lucky breaks from punishing sets to score after 29, 35 and 39 minutes. The end of the first half could not come soon enough for an exhausted Tigers squad. Andy Kennedy, Rob Aspden, Glenn Ramshaw, Dan Halliday, Paul Maughan and Steve Middlemas gave it their all with some hard tackling and strong runs in the forwards but with no replacements available were soon beginning to flag. Paul Maughan was then taken from the field with a strained diaphragm and mild concussion putting even more pressure on the pack who were being swapped around for damage limitation. Brilliant runs from the backs, Rich Macnair leading by example, brought the Tigers close several times only to be thwarted by the huge wall of puma forwards. Gareth Edwards played his usual brilliant Gareth Edwards game and inspired new boys Leigh Cox and Andy Nicholl into action. Taffy Reynolds was again fearless in the tackle and combined with Nick Butler to make some superb try stopping tackles and chase the ball all over the field. Time after time Tigers players limped or were carried from the field only to return to the game minutes later. Only Paul, hospitalised by this time with concussion and Dan Richardson who was to visit A & E with a classic stinger injury didn't actually make it back onto the field. The Pumaas maNaged to score a further 6 times in the second half but the Tigers fought them all of the way to the end. peterlee had 3 players sin binned at various points throughout the game but the Tigers were unable to capitalise due to the shear size and strength of the Pumas.
Despite this loss the atmosphere in the number 1 changing room was positive. The descision was made to forfiet next weeks game away at Carlisle and have a training and recovery session ready for the rest of the season.
An impressive display from the Tigers which will, when all things are considered, was encouraging and a great foundation from which to build.