TULLIBIGEAL Lakes United Sharks have edged out the Waratah Tigers in a fiery affair at Griffith Ex-Servicemen’s Oval yesterday.
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Two players were sent from the field in the final 10 minutes of a game where the lead changed on four separate occasions.
Errors cost the Waratahs, turning the ball over eight times compared to TLU’s three.
TLU were first to score on the back of two Waratahs mistakes when winger Jarrod Cahill got the ball 10 metres out and dashed for the corner to make it 4-0.
The Waratahs hit back soon after when Graham Levu scored next to the posts following a Johnny Teleaga line-break.
Kose Lelei then scored a length of the field intercept try to stretch the home team’s lead to six points.
Nathan Morris barged his way over from close range on the back of a Jaden Kelly line-break to level up the scores.
It looked like the teams would head into the break at 10-all but James Williams took an intercept and put Matt Pike in just beside the posts to give the Sharks a four point buffer.
Shortly after returning to the field Johnny Teleaga drew things up when we slipped through two tackles and scored out wide.
TLU took a penalty kick to take the lead before Kose Lelei scored his second try of the day pushing his way over the line to make the score 18-16.
Jarrod Cahill snared his second try to take back the lead 20-16 going into the last 10 minutes.
David Rauluni was given 10 in the bin after a scuffle erupted leaving the Waratahs to finish the game with 12 men.
TLU took advantage immediately through captain-coach Brent Pike to lead 24-18.
When TLU’s Matt Pike was sin binned to make it 12 players each, Waratahs were given one last chance when centre Fili Fili dove for the corner only to put a foot in touch to leave TLU victorious.
TLU captain-coach Brent Pike was happy with the win heading into a match against ladder leaders West Wyalong next week.
“Pretty dirty, a bit physical, it went both ways, but a good tough game,” Pike said.
“All over the park, I think our forwards really muscled up when we had to, we’ve got some flashy backs that are big and strong.
“Matt Pike got our players’ player, he was very good up front, he done all the hard yards when we needed it and made cover tackles when they made breaks, he was good all round.
“Probably Kose out wide and their little fullback, Johnny, he played well, he’s a flashy little player, Kose out wide and big Mike up the middle.
“We’ve got Wyalong at home, top of the table clash and local derby, so it’s going to be one hell of a game and after today’s performance the boys are keen and looking forward to it.”