In an attempt to break a five game losing streak, the Norths Devils brought the heavy artillery in the form of young giants Jarrod Wallace and Francis Molo to Bishop Park for the clash with the Tigers yesterday.
Leading 12-0 after 30 minutes, following tries to Jai Ingram and Michael Lucas, it looked like the strategy was working well.
However, this is no ordinary Tigers side and though they were pushed very hard by the Devils, in the end they prevailed 27-20.
Ignoring their recent records and respective positions on the table, the Devils attacked this game with all the energy and vigour you would expect and deserved their early lead.
They stretched the Tigers all day and even when Cameron Munster completed his hat-trick to give the Tigers a 20-14 lead with only 25 minutes to go the Devils never gave up.
A piece of individual brilliance from Tristian Lumley, who scored down the short side, saw the scores level at 20-20 all and ensured the vocal crowd, who had braved a chilly afternoon, would be rewarded with an exciting final 10 minutes.
Much to the satisfaction of coach Craig Ingebrigsten, the Tigers found a way to win despite not playing their best football.
Cameron Munster was again brilliant for the Tigers. He scored three beautiful tries, however his work in defence was possibly more noteworthy.
He seems to have no fear, whether taking the high ball in oncoming traffic or diving at the feet of attackers to secure possession.
Dane Hogan continued the form that earned him a richly deserved call up to the Queensland Residents side.
His combination with Jacob Fauid is developing nicely and promises to be well worth watching over the remainder of the season.
Donald Malone showed all his experience, chiming into the game at a couple of key moments in the second half, once when he scored himself and once when he very nearly freed up Sisa Waqa down the left wing.
When the Devils do their review of this game they will undoubtedly file it under "ones that got away".
They created more than enough opportunities to win the game; however dropped ball, silly penalties and passes to nobody undermined the good work of captain Brendon Gibb, dangerous hooker Krys Freeman and play maker Todd Murphy.
EASTS TIGERS 27 (Cameron Munster 3, Donald Malone, Dane Hogan tries; Liam Tyson 3 goals; Jacob Fauid field goal) def NORTHS DEVILS 20 (Michael Lucas, Tristan Lumley, Jai Ingram tries; Darren Nicholls 4 goals) at Bishop Park.
Final teams
Norths Devils: 1. Shaun Carney 2. Michael Lucas 3. Joel Bailey 4. Tristan Lumley 5. Kainga Turner 6. Todd Murphy 7. Darren Nicholls 8. Mark Vaiao 9. Krys Freeman 10. Brendon Gibb (c) 11. Chris Faust 12. Jai Ingram 13. James Sharkie 14. Sam Foster 16. Troyden Watene 15. Jarrod Wallace 17. Francis Molo
Easts Tigers: 1. Cameron Munster 2. Jarrod McInally 3. Shane Neumann 4. Donald Malone 5. Sisa Waqa 6. Jacob Fauid 7. Liam Tyson 8. Steven Thorpe (c) 9. Tom Butterfield 10. Felise Kaufusi 18. Dane Hogan 12. Troy Giess 13. Jacob Ling 14. Liam McDonald 15. Kenny Bromwich 16. Matthew Zgrajewski 17. Joel Romelo
