Match Report: NSW Cup Wests Tigers vs Mounties
Dan Talintyre
Saturday 15 February 2014 7:39 PM
Match Report: NSW Cup Wests Tigers vs Mounties
In wet conditions at Concord Oval, a Wests Tigers squad featuring several recognised NRL players were simply too good for their opponents — running in three tries to two.
Both teams started with disciplined and organised attacking sets, with the first error not coming until mid-way through the first quarter. From there, though, it was all the Wests Tigers, and off the back of several repeat sets and good field position, Inosesio crossed for the first points of the match in the 17th minute.
Brown was unable to add the extras, with his conversion attempt hitting the post.
The home team almost doubled their lead shortly after the quarter-time break when Akauola burst through the line and found Joel Luani on the inside. The hooker seemed destined to score next to the posts but some great scrambling defence from Mounties saw the ball stripped right as he went to put it down.
Mounties got on the board soon after that when Leato made a swift break down the right wing. With numbers in support, he rounded Hitchcox close to the line before offloading to Whitehouse, who crossed close to the posts.
The conversion was comfortably made to give Mounties a 6-4 lead.
As errors and penalties started to grow for both teams, the Wests Tigers took the lead back right before the stroke of half-time. Swift ball movement from right to left saw the home side create an overlap and after ducking under a few attempted tacklers, McGrath was able to crash over close to the sideline on the left wing. Brown’s conversion on the half-time siren was unsuccessful, leaving the Wests Tigers with an 8-6 half-time lead.
Half-time entertainment might not have been on the menu for this State Cup trial but fans certainly got their share of enjoyment when malfunctioning sprinkler systems spontaneously turned on. Much to the delight of many in the stands at Concord Oval, officials couldn’t turn them off and play resumed with those closest to the near sideline (including the touch judge) getting showered with water.
The distraction didn’t deter Mounties, though, and they quickly hit the front after half-time when Coates crossed under the posts following a solid cut-out pass.
The visitors then extended their lead further when Pakotoa went through seemingly untouched close to the left wing after selling the dummy close to the line. Horton converted from close to the sideline to give the visitors a commanding 18-8 lead.
Play was stopped soon after that due to sprinklers on the field turning on.
Unable to turn them off, referees and officials from both teams decided to abandon the match in the best interest of player safety.
At the time the decision was made, Mounties were leading 18-8 after 50 minutes.
