Avondale Tigers have been hitting some consistent form early in the second half of the NDRL comp but after this weekend's game coaching staff must be scratching their heads wondering where things went wrong in the Tigers’ loss to South Kolan at Gin Gin.
Early on the Tigers were up after great tries from Viliami Tufulele, Nickolas Lorenz and a runaway try by Centre Corey Chapman. In the absence of Andrew Filo, Nathan Leather consumed the kicking duties successfully kicking 2 from 3 in the first half. The Tigers held the Sharks to only 12 points at the break but the momentum quickly changed after the break and South Kolan put on 24 unanswered points racing away with the game 36-16. Vahiti Hopoi, Feingaola Blake, Alekisantia Pulotu, Alo Moli and Scott Sarson crossed for the Shark with Pulotu adding 4 goals for the day.
In the main game Gin Gin will also be asking some serious questions after their unexpected loss to Agnes Water who again travelled with only 13 players. Gin Gin suffered the loss of handy front rower Andrew McKay in the first minute of the match after McKay fractured his sternum.
Agnes got off to a great start scoring two quick tries to be 12 nil up before the Hawks got on the board with a try from Phil Lindsay. From the kick off second-rower Michael Murphy caught the ball on the full for the Hawks and ran 85 metres to score but his super try was not converted leaving the Hawks trailing by 2. Repeated penalties against Gin Gin saw Agnes make use of every opportunity scoring a try fest with Lowcock and McIntosh showing their new found combination in the halves is working and they were the danger men for the Marlins going into half time well in front 42-16.
Gin Gin came out after the break trying to claw their way back but even thought they won the second half the home side ran out of time to mow down the Marlins lead. Michael Murphy scored his second try to kick-start the Hawks revival and he was the stand out player of the match. Agnes Water hung on with time on their side to secure the two competition points beating the Hawks 54-42.
Gin Gin play Miriam Vale next week and will need to improve after the Magpies close encounter against the Sharks last week. Agnes taking on South Kolan in the main game at Shark Park.
Good luck Queensland.
