Last week’s defeat against Inglewood was inspiration for the Tenterfield Tigers who faced Stanthorpe in a nail biting finish that could have gone either way.

The Tigers were the victors winning 30 to 28 at full time.

The game looked to be sealed at half time when the Tigers were leading 22 to 6. It was a lapse in Tiger concentration, according to Coach Pete Townes, that saw the northerners surge forward in the second half pushing Tenterfield to their limit.

“They switched off for 15 to 20 minutes and (Stanthorpe) picked up again,” Coach Townes said.

“I thought they let it slip.”

An intercept by the opposition foiled a try attempt by the Tigers in the second half. Jason Avidson, who received player’s player, put in a solid attack throughout the game along with Lucas Dearden and Alan Wetzler who was back from injury.

“The first half was excellent, though we dropped the ball a couple of times,” Coach Townes said.

“We got through 80% of completion rates in the first half.”

Coach Townes was impressed with the first half performance of the team and plans to stretch the players to continue the effort for the full 80 minutes in the next game against Texas.

The Rugby League season is half completed and he said that the Tigers are looking to have a good chance of making the finals this year, though there are still areas to be improved on before the team reaches that stage.

“We’re in with a big chance this year, we just have to keep improving and work on fitness a bit,” Coach Townes said.