GREATER Northern Tigers overcame a pre game accident to start its Andrew Johns Cup under-16 Country Championship in belting fashion with a 30-10 victory over the Central Coast Roosters at Morrie Breen Oval, Wyong.
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The teenage Tigers stayed on the Central Coast Friday night but unfortunately for young Narrabri prop, Jeff Harvey, a trip to the water ended in disaster when he trod on an oyster shell.
He had to go to hospital and have five stitches in his foot. It ruled him out of Saturday’s first round clash against the Roosters.
“Lucky for us we had our 18th man, Nick Laurie, with us,” said coach Steve Haylen of the young Scone player.
“He came on and played well too.”
Haylen was delighted with his side despite some first half errors.
“I was very happy with the boys,” he said.
“We were a bit rusty though, made a fair few errors in the first half. Handed the ball back to them a lot. But the boys were tough. The boys in the middle did a great job.”
The Tigers led 14-4 at half time and tidied up their handling in the second half.
“I told them at halftime, whoever cuts out the errors and plays some hard, gritty football will win,” Haylen said.
The Tigers did that against a side which had played three trials.
While they went in fresh they were well led by skipper Jock Brazel, who also crossed for two of the five tries.
“Jock was outstanding,” Haylen said.
“Mark Simon was tremendous, Luke Smith, the second rower from Denman never stopped all game and Campbell Watchirs, out in the centres, was also good. They were the five that really stood out.”
The Tigers play the Newcastle Knights development squad in their next game at Scone this Saturday.
