Canowindra’s Tigers have had a tough opening contest in their Woodbridge Cup campaign, nearly but not quite chasing down Molong in a game that finished 24-28.
Errors cost the Tigers at times as they took the field in warm conditions at Clyburn Oval, with Molong making the most of their opportunities.
The Bulls put first points on the board just two-and-a-half minutes after kick-off, establishing an early 6-0 lead.
But the Tigers closed ranks from there and although the visitors made every effort to maintain their momentum the scoreboard didn’t change for another 20 minutes.
Canowindra put in the work and it paid off when Josh Cooney crossed the line to score the first try of the season for the side, Bailey Kennedy adding the extras to lock the scores up half way through the first half.
Unfortunately they lapsed and their errors cost them: Molong extending their lead to 16-6 in the minutes that followed.
Play did come back the Tigers’ way when Zac Hunt kicked the ball, regathered it from a rebound and ran 30 metres to score.
Molong had a 10-16 lead heading into the second half and they had the early momentum too, pushing that out to a 10-28 lead.
Tigers tightened up their defence, taking all that the Bulls could send their way, and got themselves back into a good attacking position to put Logan Harris over next the posts.
Molong snared the ball from the kick but couldn’t capitalise, Harris made it a double to bring Canowindra up to 20-28.
With eight minutes remaining Bailey Kennedy scored in the corner to bring the Tigers well and truly within reach, but it wasn’t to be.
Play was delayed with an injury and resumed with four minutes to go, Canowindra had possession but couldn’t do any more before the final bell sounded.
Next Sunday, Canowindra travel to Cargo. The Tigers’ next home game is against Peak Hill on 27 April.
Woodbridge Cup has a general bye on the Easter long weekend.
Sunday’s scores
First grade: Canowindra Tigers 24 Molong 28
League tag: Canowindra 28 Molong 14
Youth league: Canowindra 24 Molong 42
