Wagga Tigers have registered their first win of the Riverina League season in a two-point thriller over Narrandera on Saturday.
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A goal to Ben Kelly with just a couple of minutes remaining returned Tigers to the lead and they hung on to claim the four points, 12.12 (84) to 12.10 (82) at Narrandera Sportsground.
Tigers led by as much as four goals late in the third quarter but Narrandera finished full of momentum in the last term and hit the front.
But Tigers kept their cool and found a match-winning reply from Kelly, before keeping possession of the ball deep inside Narrandera’s attacking 50 when the final siren sounded.
It was no coincidence that Tigers’ first win coincided with coach Shaun Campbell’s return as he came back from suspension to play his first game of the year.
Campbell, however, left the field injured early in the final quarter and watched on from the sidelines as his young Tigers team kept their cool to get over the line.
Campbell said it was a satisfying victory.
“It’s really good. It’s just what the boys needed for a bit of a confidence boost,” Campbell said.
“They have been working really hard and it’s good to get one back. It’s super.”
It has been a tough start to the year for Tigers, with Campbell’s suspension coming on the back of a number of off-season departures.
While he has been involved in much bigger wins at the club, Campbell said the win over Narrandera is one of the more memorable ones.
“Absolutely, seeing all the smiles on the boys’ faces after was really good,” he said.
“It shows them that we can win, there were a couple of minor lapses but if we can get a bit more consistent, we’ll be fine.”
It was Tigers’ younger brigade who stood up when it counted.
Lewis Gooden moved to the ruck and played his best game for the year, while Riley Green, Jake Mascini and Matthew Griffin were all strong in defence.
Campbell said his team improved in a number of areas.
“We held onto the footy a lot better. We were smart and our communication was a lot better than it has been as well,” he said.
Corey Baxter continued his fine season for Narrandera. He kicked three goals and was the Eagles’ best.
Full-forward and assistant coach Josh Bennett was a late withdrawal for Narrandera.