Gundagai Tigers and Temora Dragons delivered a bruising top-of-the-table clash at Nixon Park on Saturday, with the home side emerging victorious 38–24 in a physical, high-stakes battle full of grit and big moments.
Both forward packs traded heavy carries from the outset in an early arm wrestle. Gundagai struck first in the sixth minute when Sailusi Temaka stepped sharply off his right foot, beat several defenders, and powered over. Gabriel Gul then exploded from a scrum, slicing through the middle and dragging defenders across the line for a second try. The Tigers led 12–0 inside ten minutes.
Temora responded through their big men, led by Hayden Philp, forcing Gundagai to absorb sustained pressure. The Tigers’ right edge threatened but were kept at bay by over-eagerness and strong Dragons defence. Late in the first half, captain-coach Hayden Ashcroft stepped into space, linked with Will Herring, and Gundagai extended their lead after a professional foul.
After the break, Billy Reardon crashed over for Temora in the 47th minute. Gundagai steadied, but the Dragons mounted a fierce surge, forcing five straight defensive sets on the Tigers’ line. A massive hit from Gul jarred the ball loose, yet a controversial call sent Jack Elphick to the sin bin. Down to 12 men, Gundagai conceded when Bailey Wallace darted from dummy-half.
Even shorthanded, the Tigers held firm. Gul and Temaka produced standout moments as Temora continued to press. Zach Starr barged over to close the gap to 32–24 with 15 minutes left. Temora looked set to equalise when they broke into the backfield, only for a desperate tackle from Hay to save the day.
Elphick returned from the bin and immediately lifted defensive intensity. With the game in the balance, a lucky ricochet off a Will Herring kick landed back in his hands. He surged forward and linked with Hamblin, who crashed over in the 77th minute to seal the win.
It was a hard-fought victory despite a lopsided penalty count, showcasing Gundagai’s resolve and ability to capitalise on key moments.
Coach Hayden Ashcroft said, “We got a good win over Temora. It was a top of the table clash and Temora is always going to be difficult, so we had to be on our game, which we were. We were pretty good, so I’m pretty pleased with the result.
“We played a really solid game across the park. Individually, everyone just nailed their role. They have got a pretty strong middle unit and obviously a bit of spark out the back. We really went with them through the middle and knew that we would have opportunities and we capitalised on them.
“This week we have Kangaroos in Wagga. The kind of message I’ve been trying to send out to the boys is that every opponent we have to show them respect and be prepared. If we don’t turn up each week, we’ll get beat, so it’s no different this week.
“They had a draw with Young on the weekend. We need to be on our game.
“We had a win in the 18s, which was nice. Reserve grade lost and the league tag girls lost too.
Temora are quite strong in league tag, but it was pleasing to see the 18s have a win.”
Gundagai now travel to face Wagga Roos at Geohex Stadium this Saturday.
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