Jordan took a fairly hard knock last weekend and has sustained a spinal injury.

“Pearso” is one of Nowra’s key players and a regular member of the representative side, and while we all love to hate each other on the field, nobody likes to see a player get injured. 

It is likely to be a slow process but the club wishes Jordan a speedy recovery and hopes everything works out well. 

Last weekend the McDonald’s Family Restaurant/Amazing Dental sponsored first grade Bomaderry Tigers took on the Wollongong Bulldogs in what was a fairly entertaining and hard fought contest. 

With only a handful of players unavailable, it was a near full strength Bomaderry side that took the field.

It was a tight and fiercely contested game with even numbers across the board in hit outs, clearances, and tackles, but the Bulldogs did the damage on the spread from the contest, going inside 50 on far too many occasions. 

The back six battled well all day and with such a high inside 50 count, the Dogs probably should have had more goals. 

McCann battled well with his opposite number at fullback to probably come out evens. 

Sammy Dunell was reading the play well off the half back line and Brucey Lee was persistent at centre half back.

The midfielders toiled hard, matching the Bulldogs at the contest, but too often over committing to the scrimmage, leaving the Bulldogs outnumbering Bomaderry on the outside, which really hurt the Tigers on the counter attack. 

An injury to Jack Hangan in the second quarter certainly limited midfield rotations and the loss of his experience and drive through the guts was sorely missed. 

Bomaderry’s effort was there all day, but they needed to be smarter around the contests. 

There were times during the second and third term when the Tigers had shots on goal and a chance to mount some scoreboard pressure, but did not take advantage of their limited opportunities. 

Frustration then crept in, with some undiscipline actions resulting in two 50 metre penalties and consequently gift goals which hurt the Tigers at crucial times during the game. 

Roly Stokes continually presented across half forward, but lacked numbers at his feet to take full advantage of the forward movement. 

The Bulldogs are a smart football team that looked cohesive across the board. 

Final scores: Wollongong (11-14:80) defeated Bomaderry (6-9:45).

Goalkickers: Jeremy O’Byrne (3), Bradley Graham, Sean Byrne and Matthew Ganderton (1).

Best players: Roland Stokes, Liam Arnold, Michael Bennet, Sam Dunell, Michael McMenamin, Brent Herdman, Andrew Lee, Sean Byrne, Jeremy O’Byrne and Kieren Whiteley. 

Awards: Roland Stokes (Bridge Hotel meal voucher), Liam Arnold (Kel Campbell Caltex fuel card), Michael McMenamin (Scruples Hairstyles voucher), Sam Dunell (Mamma’s Italian Kitchen award), Brent Herdman (Tuscany Wood Fired Restaurant voucher), Michael Bennet (Dunn & Williams Coaches Cup).

Reserve grade showed a big improvement on the previous week regardless of the end score. 

Wollongong are a quality side and they are going to be extremely hard to beat. Kicking against the wind in the first term, the Tigers had their chances but failed to capitalise, kicking four points.

The backline did a fantastic job to keep the opposition to just three goals. 

The second quarter was a real arm wrestle and while Bomaderry kept driving the ball into attack, they could not find a tall marking option to counter Wollongong’s strong defence.

While the Tigers never gave up and continued to apply plenty of pressure, unfortunately they were overrun by a much fitter and organised side, with Wollongong dominating the clearances and constantly taking the ball inside Bomaderry’s defensive 50 to run out comfortable winners on the day.  

Despite the lop-sided scoreline, there were plenty of positives to come out of the game, not least the effort and attack at the ball. 

Young Dale Lovatt and Lochie Bailey stepped up from the u16’s and showed plenty of promise against quality opposition to suggest they will be handy as they mature and develop. 

Jack Boxsell was everywhere and for such a young bloke, takes a pretty good overhead mark. 

Blake Hill continues to improve, Paul Posterino won plenty of possessions, as did Mark Hart, Sheldon Varcoe and Matty Bryce, while Toby Allman and Josh Murphy had strong games to be among the Tigers’ best. 

Hopefully with Toby Craig returning to lead the boys this week and a good week on the training track, the team can get back to the basics and give Norths a run for their money. 

Final scores: Wollongong (18-14:122) defeated Bomaderry (2-5:17).

Goalkickers: Jack Boxsell and Blake Hill (1).

Best players: Paul Posterino, Mark Hart, Josh Murphy, Matthew Bryce, Toby Allman, Alex Prudence, Jack Boxsell, Blake Hill, Sheldon Varcoe and Mark Everard. 

Awards: Paul Posterino (Bridge Hotel meal voucher), Mark Hart (Scruples Hairstyles voucher), Josh Murphy (Mamma’s Italian Kitchen award), Matthew Bryce (Tuscany Wood Fired Restaurant voucher), Toby Allman (Subway – Nowra Fair voucher), Mark Everard (Dunn & Williams Coaches Cup).  

This week the Tigers take on the Northern Districts at Hollymount Park, Alice Street, Woonona. 

This is a must win round, so it is important everyone turns up with their A game. 

Reserve grade will be leaving from the clubrooms at 10am on Saturday morning and first grade at 11am. 

On behalf of everyone ever to been involved with the Tigers, congratulations to Bradley Graham on playing his 150th game for the club last weekend. 

This feat has only been achieved by nine other players in the club history.

In that time, Stretch has played in five first grade premierships, won a best and fairest, and been named in the 40th reunion all star team.

Next Saturday, May 24 is the annual trivia night starting at 7pm in the clubrooms. 

Cost is $10 a head which includes supper, the trivia and prizes for the winning table. 

Family and friends are most welcome, so please organise your tables and start brushing up on your trivia. 

To book a table, please contact Sticks or put your name on the sheet in the clubrooms.

Sticks and Heidi are taking orders for club hoodies ($50), waterproof jackets ($95) and beanies ($15). 

To place an order, please contact either of them with your preferred size and requirements as soon as possible. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Breast Cancer Charity Round last weekend. 

While the pink socks did not work in the Tigers’ favour, the message and awareness generated was well received. 

Once everyone pays for their socks and the club collects a donation from Scruples Hair and Beauty, who kindly threw their support behind this cause, the club should have a few dollars to pass on.  

On behalf of the committee and the players who stuck around, thank you to everyone who kindly cooked a casserole and/or helped prepare the meal on Saturday night.  

For more information on club activities please contact Tony McCann on 0422 365 408 or Sticks on 0403 29 1231.

Until next week, go the Tigers.