First grade went down 46-12, reserve grade lost 32-6 and the under 18s were in for a tough day and lost 62-4.

First grade started on the wrong foot with an early dropped ball that led to a gift try to the Roosters.

Bega followed it up with another try after punching through the middle of the ruck to lead 10-nil.

The Roosters scored two more tries and led 20-nil at the half-time break.

In the second half, Sam Cunningham got the Bay back in with a charge down and a nice offload to a flying Brent Pan who outpaced the defence to the try line.  Jacob Hill added the extras and it was 20-6.  

The visitors were locked down over the next 25 minutes as Bega ran in five tries to run away with the victory.

Some good work on the inside gave Mitch Freeman the opportunity to show his skills and he easily outpaced the cover defence to post a consolation four pointer.  

Jacob Hill slotted the conversion to bring the final score to 46-12.  

Bay Tigers’ president Bob Mitchell said Bega was a settled and solid side.

“While Bega put a few second half tries on the boys it should be pointed out that they have appeared in a couple of grand finals in the last three years and were last season’s premiers,” Mitchell said. 

“Mick Tadich, Jacob Hill, Mason Harrison, and Sam Cunningham gave all they had and Scott Belcher put in a praiseworthy effort in the front row against some much bigger and more experienced forwards to pick up the points on the day.   “Marcus Golman was everywhere in attack and defence and was also one of the Bay’s best.” 

At least nine of the Bay’s players are inexperienced first grade players and are learning more each time they take the field. 

“Give the kids time on the first grade field to develop their skills, get the required fitness levels and do 

their apprenticeship,” Mitchell said.  

“As a club we must have patience, rebuild our base and bring the kids through.

“We shouldn’t forget that the players are the club and must be looked after at all levels.”

In 1997 the Tigers were down on players and finances and did not win a first grade game.

Two years later, after building up player numbers and finances, the Tigers under Mal Cheney won the Group Seven first grade premiership and made the final in reserve grade; so patience does pay off.

The Tigers started well in the reserve grade match and were tied at 6-all at half-time.

Bega came out of the break and attacked the Tigers through the middle.

The Roosters found space before exploiting room out wide.

The home side was relentless in the second stanza and won 32-6.

Mitchell said Willy Thomas showed the value of going low.

“He pulled off a couple of great try-saving tackles against much bigger men,” Mitchell said. 

The Bay’s best players were Warren Potts, Joey Brierley and Bailey Scholtz.

The club praised supporters who made the trip to Bega. 

Round five results - Group 16:

Bega defeated Batemans Bay 46-12.

Narooma defeated Bombala 26-14.

Cooma defeated Pambula-Merimbula 16-14.

Moruya v Eden was washed out.

The Group 16 v Group Six representative game is on Friday night at Mackay Park.  The game kicks off at 7pm.