The Tigers hopes of reaching the semi- finals for the first time took a big hit with a 14-point loss to Parkes on Sunday and an upset by Wellington over Macquarie to leave both sides level with four matches to go.
Nyngan had no answer to Parkes’ Fijian connection who scored the majority of their tries and created havoc all over the park. The Tigers, to their credit, never threw in the towel and midway through the second half looked like winning but crucial errors at the wrong end of the field allowed Parkes to skip away and claim victory. All Nyngan’s tries were scored through the backs who looked dangerous whenever they chanced their arm, but on too many occasions the ball ended up on the ground and taking the pressure off Parkes. Up front Brad Besant and Todd Rope took the ball up all day, with Lock Richie Deebank getting through a power of work in attack and defence. Rob Hooker off the bench was strong despite a nasty head wound, which limited his game time.
It now means Nyngan will have to win at least two of their last four games to have any chance of grabbing a finals berth and face the enormous challenge of Cobar at Cobar next start.
Tries to Hayden Watt, Clint Hedges, Damian Smith and James Neyland with Dan Riley kicking two conversions and Luke Matheson one goal.
Reserve Grade
Griffo’s reserve grade has continued on its winning way with a comfortable win over Parkes by 62-12. Steve Johnson was the star of the show scoring a trifecta of tries and making ground with every touch of the ball. In what was a real team effort with Nyngan not having a bad player, however the standard up front were three old stagers in Bruce Quarmby, Salty Taylor and Darren Toomey whilst hooker Todd Milligan gave good service out of dummy-half.
Les Hooper at halfback steered the side around well with Dave Carrige and Tim Smith going well on the flanks, the Tigers also got good value out of two juniors who made the step up with Dean Spicer and Shane Jeffery more than holding their own.
This now sets up a massive last four rounds with the Tigers chasing a top two spot to get two bites of the cherry and if the boys put in the hard work the rewards will come. Scorers for Nyngan, tries to Steve Johnson 3, one each to Tim Smith, Dave Carrige, Todd Milligan, Darren Toomey, Jake Homer, Kurt Walsh, Anthony Griffiths and Dean Spicer with Tim Smith having a good day with the boot kicking nine from 11 goals.
Juniors
With coach Cobcroft absent, stand-in coach Todd Rope was faced with a few late withdrawals and an under strength side, but the boys put in a great effort to get to within 14 points of a finals-bound Spacemen side. Dean Spicer and Shane Jeffery were the standouts for Nyngan with Dean Spicer scoring a double and Shane getting the other try with hooker Ryan Hall bagging two conversions.
Although beaten the boys continued to put in and it’s a great credit to the character of the boys that they continue to turn up. Well done boys. The big blokes up front cop a pounding most matches but really keep going with Adam Laneyrie and Brent Williams taking it up all day in great efforts for the team.
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