After losing their past two Waratah League division one matches, the Tigers knew anything but a win in Dubbo would be good enough – if Ian Ozolins’ team wanted to play finals in 2018. 

“We started with a sense of urgency but just couldn’t seem to score in the early stages – which can probably be credited to their seven-foot centre Martin Iti protecting the ring,” Ozolins said.

“It wasn’t until the third that we made a run and finally hit the lead.

“Then in the fourth, our foul trouble hurt us and kept them in it from the free throw line.

“Despite them shooting very well, we managed to grind out the victory – I’ll take any win in Dubbo.”

Ozolins was impressed he had five players in double figures, led by his son William, who scored 27 points.