WINGHAM Tigers made an impressive start to the group three rugby league season with a strong 36-4 win over Forster-Tuncurry in the opening round match at the Wingham Sporting Complex.
With captain-coach Danny Russell leading the way the Tigers were way too good for a disappointing Forster team.
The Hawks were wooden spooners in 2017 and look on that form they’ll struggle again this year.
The Tigers were on the board early in the game when second rower Jake Mullen split the line and sent lock Brendan Butler racing away for a try converted by Michael Bailey.
Wingham kept up the pressure and the Forster defence was stretched.
Soon after five-eighth Nick Beachamp sent a smart pass to give fullback Matt Bridge space and the custodian planted the ball over the line for Wingham’s second.
A further try to interchange forward Brendan Clarke made it 16-0 at the break.
The Tigers had 32 points on the board before centre Beau Lowry opened Forster’s account with a try.
It was a sorry day for the Hawks, with veteran Chris Simon sent off just before full time by referee Bayley Dimarco and charged with striking.
Simon had earlier spent time in the sin bin.
Butler and Bridge were outstanding for the Tigers in a side that contained no failures.
Halfback Riley Glover tried hard for the Hawks.
Mick McDonald
