Tigers on prowl after big victory
AVONDALE showed it could be the Year of the Tiger after kicking off the Northern Districts season with a 34-4 mauling of Gin Gin in Miriam Vale on Saturday.
Miriam Vale Magpies also started their title defence on a winning note, but they had to pull out all stops to defeat South Kolan 36-30.
Five-eighth Alex Beu bagged a double for the Tigers but coach Brian Groves said he was proud of his whole team.
“We just played unbelievable football – all the way across the park we played well,” Groves said.
“We had played two trials, losing to Easts 26-10 but beating Rovers 24-4, and the difference was we had a bit match fitness after a couple of tough hitouts.”
Groves said captain, assistant coach and halfback Andrew Filo led from the front, and that vice-captain Adam Bush also went well, along with his front-row partner Jake Hartfiel.
Magpies stalwart Aaron Causton took out the Player of the Round award after amassing 16 points with one try and six goals in a signature robust all-round performance.
But it was also a red-letter day for teammate Jesse Jenkins, getting married in the morning, then pulling on the boots and chipping in with a try.
Sharks halfback Muthuna Jones also posted 16 points with two tries and four goals.
