Coaches Report // STEVE HAZ
Tigers Pre-Season Off to a Roaring Start Saturday, Park Lane The Tigers kicked off their pre-season campaign with a double-header against old rivals Preston Grasshoppers, giving both the second and first teams a chance to put seven weeks of hard training into action.
Second XV: Tigers 31 – 31 Preston
The day began at 12:30pm with the second team match, and the crowd were treated to a thrilling, end-to-end encounter.Both sides looked to move the ball wide at every opportunity, producing a flowing contest full of attacking intent. In the end, a fair result was reached as the sides could not be separated, finishing honours even at 31–31.
First XV: Tigers 47 – 7 Preston
At 2:30pm it was time for the main event, and the first team wasted no time stamping their authority on proceedings. The Tigers came flying out of the blocks and struck first through new centre Zane Ainslie, finishing off a well-worked move. New signing Josh Ree slotted the conversion, setting the tone for what was to come. Moments later, flanker Lewis Bradley crashed over, again converted by Ree, before the full back got on the scoresheet himself to make it three tries inside the opening quarter. Centre Nathan Pope then crossed for the fourth, Ree again immaculate with the boot, and suddenly the Tigers were cruising at 26–0 after just 20 minutes. Preston did manage to respond with an interception try on 33 minutes, but that was as good as it got for the visitors. The Tigers powered home in the second half with further converted scores from winger Rhys Henderson, second row Bob Birtwell, and winger Andy Riley to round off an emphatic 47–7 victory.
A Full Squad Effort It was a fine all-round display from the Tigers, with every player contributing to the win. • New second row Billy Addy carried strongly throughout. • Prop Beltus Nonleh made a welcome return to Tigers colours. •
Scrum half Jason Tansey also enjoyed a strong showing back in the black and gold. Looking Ahead A thoroughly deserved win and an encouraging start to pre-season. Next up, the Tigers host Macclesfield under the Park Lane lights on Friday night, where another big performance is expected.
Get down, get behind the lads, and support your Tigers.
Cheers, Steve Hazz