Tigers fail to scare Irish (From Free Press Series)

Tigers fail to scare Irish

The Tigers lost for the fifth time this season to an impressive Aberavon Fighting Irish at the jungle on the weekend.

The Tigers, who have been unable to field a consistent side due to international commitments and injury, put up a spirited performance before succumbing 48-20.

The Irish were aided by Tongans Taufahema and Aiono who proved a real handful for the Tigers all afternoon. However, the majority of their tackles were a little reckless to say the least, the trademark of the south sea islanders who perhaps have shares in the local dental practice.

On the playing front the Tigers did show enough determination to cross for five tries through Nicky 'burly boy' Blake with two tries, Jesse Farthing, debuting Nathan Daniel and Dale Nash.

There were some solid performances from the hard working Matthew Davies, stand-in skipper Nolan Nicklin, Rob 'book-end' Taylor and the Williams brothers Chris and Lee, ably supported by the tireless Gareth Marks.

The majority of the Tiger's tries came from putting some width on the ball and perhaps they should employ this game plan in future.

The Tigers will look to improve on their performance this Saturday when they entertain the unbeaten Bridgend Blue Bulls at the jungle. The Bulls, who include former Wales internationals Allan Bateman, John Devereux and Kevin Ellis in their ranks, will be looking to seal the Welsh Championship in style.

The match will also see a return to Conway Road for former Tiger Leigh Taylor who can be sure of a warm welcome from his former team mates. Congratulations must also go to current Welsh internationals Jason Hill, Steve Mayley, Damien Smith and coach Kevin Weaver who were all involved in the Wales victory over Ireland in Dublin on Saturday in the Four Nations.

The action this Saturday gets underway at 2.30pm at Conway Road in what should be a highly entertaining game.