Report from: Alison Nolan
15/03/03

Slippery conditions for the double header at Telstra Stadium led to the Tigers just hanging on to defeat the Dragons by 24-20.

Scoring opened early by the Dragons with Gasnier crossing over. The Tigers, not letting the early scoring phase them, hit back with one of their own.

Gasnier managed another four pointer, in which was the try of the match. A kick through by Firman, was tapped back by Roberts, which in turn was tapped down and back by Thompson, for Gasnier to touch down. Great support play by the Dragons.

The rain falling did not help the players, leading to unforced errors by both sides.

A very close game leading into half time, with the Tigers just having the upperhand 16-14.

Sloppy play in the second half, had referee Hampstead blowing the whistle for penalties on a number of occasions.

Saints finally after 10 minutes into the half, settled down enough to string some good support play together to get the lead.

Both teams desperate to get some points, and desperate to save some points, strung together some good plays, equaled by some great scrambling defence by both sides.

The try to the Tigers in the 69th minute was enough to seal the win, but not without some very close calls to the Dragons.

In the end, poor discipline lead the the loss to the Dragons, in which was otherwise a close game, considering the conditions.

LeagueUnlimited players of the Match:

3. Withers (Tigers)
2. Senter (Tigers)
1. Thompson (Dragons)

Tigers 24 - Dragons 20

Telstra Stadium
Ref: Sean Hampstead

Scorers:

Tigers
Tries: Senter, O'Halloran, Fitzhenry, Galea
Goals: Caine (4/5)

Dragons
Tries: Gasnier x2, Ryles
Goals: Riddell (4/4)