Glen Innes Magpies 34

IN a nail-biting encounter, the Tingha Tigers have knocked the winning streak out of the Glen Innes Magpies.

The Magpies have won their past 13 games, but the Tigers showed they are a force to be reckoned with.

The game was also a preview to the major semi-final this weekend, where the Tigers are hoping to capture another win and have the glory of hosting the Group 19 grand final.

Tigers Secretary Chris Curtin said while the Tigers won the game on the day, they have lost the Club Championship on a technicality.

“We put a reserve on that shouldn’t have been on and Glen Innes noticed this, as a result we lose the points we needed to secure the Club Championship from Glen Innes, it is a gut-wrenching thing to happen but it will not affect our finals chances.”

Despite such a disappointment, Curtin said the taste of victory was sweet and well deserved for the Tigers.

“The boys proved they were well and truly grand final material in this match.

“The Magpies have not been beaten for 13 games and Tingha certainly stepped up and showed they were a force to be reckoned with, we face the Magpies again this week and we hope to show our strength again.”

Curtin said the Tingha forwards had to get control over Glen Innes and they went above and beyond the call of duty.

“Our forwards absolutely dominated play, Macca (Nathan) Blacklock had a cracker of a game, he really led the team with aggression and skill, Brayden Dwyer was man of the match in my opinion and Ray Craigie came back to play halfback after some time off and played his best game for Tingha all season.”

Curtin said the team was confident they could keep their standard of play going in the coming weeks.

“Macca believes we can lift up again, Glen Innes will be ready for us next week now they know what we are capable of, and we will be ready to bring it again.

“This win was a great confidence boost for the team and we want to keep the momentum going.”

Tingha also secured a win in the Reserve Grade, winning 26-20 against the Magpies, and Curtin said the Juniors also put in a good effort despite fielding a team of only nine players.

“Glen Innes, much to their credit only put a team of nine against our boys and they really put up a good fight despite being beaten 48-12.”