The Gundagai Tigers produced a dominant second-half performance to turn a tight contest into a convincing 42-12 victory over South City at a windy Anzac Park on Saturday, extending their winning streak to four matches.
Celebrating club stalwart Derek Hay’s 100th First Grade game, the Tigers showed composure and class in tricky conditions to overcome a physical opening from the Bulls.
The match began as an arm-wrestle, with both sides trading blows in the early stages. South City drew first blood in the 11th minute through Joel Tracey, but Gundagai responded swiftly. A skewed Bulls kick bounced awkwardly, allowing Will Herring to scoop it up and send Wilson Hamblin away untouched in the 20th minute to level the scores.
Gundagai then began to assert control. Jayden Steele finished off a strong set play in the 32nd minute to hand the Tigers a 10-6 lead at halftime.
The second half belonged entirely to the Tigers. Mark Asquith came off the bench and immediately lifted the tempo, producing a moment of magic to put captain-coach Hayden Ashcroft over. Asquith, Herring and Tyran Gorman then combined in a slick move through the middle that split the Bulls’ defence, with Joe Thaffe drawing the last defender to send Cody Bell over for his second try of the afternoon.
South City managed a late consolation try to make it 34-12, but Gundagai hit back immediately. Jayden Steele finished off another well-weighted grubber from Hay in the 73rd minute, before Sailusi Temaka capped a brilliant performance with a soaring intercept and a 70-metre solo sprint in the dying minutes.
The final score of 42-12 reflected Gundagai’s growing confidence and depth. The Tigers’ discipline, composure under pressure, and clinical finishing proved too much for South City as the game wore on.
With momentum building across the squad, Gundagai now turn their attention to next week’s home clash against the Young Cherrypickers as they look to keep their strong start to the season rolling.
The win showcased everything the Tigers have been building — a potent mix of forward control, sharp attacking play and a resilient spine that dictated terms as the match progressed.
Gundagai 42 def South City 12.
Reserves: Gundy 10 South City 26.
U18s: Gundy 8 South City 40.
League Tag: 16-0.
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