Tigers at the Ayia Nik 15s
18th September 2007
by Andrew Hill

Saturday 15th September saw the annual event that is the Ayia Nik 15s tournament with the Tigers present as expected!

2 groups of 3 teams got the ball rolling .
Group A: Paphos Tigers, Dhekelia Lions, Ayia Nik Stags
Group B: Akrotiri Flamingos, Episkopi Eagles, Scorpions (assorted club members)

The early start and long bus journey took a slight toll on the boys and our fist match was a bit slow without the usual drive and determination associated with the squad.
Paphos Tigers 5 - 5 Ayia Nik Stags

Some encouraging words and assorted verbal motivation started to wake the team up a bit in time to face Dhekelia. We knew Dhekelia were strong but we were awake now and ready for the challenge. A few good exchanges ended with a penalty to Dhekelia from which they took 3 points. Our lack of discipline in the rucks and mauls had cost us those points. Despite a strong effort in the 2nd half the Tigers couldn't force the territory required to peg back the points. Dhekelia were awarded a try in the dying moments of the game but the linesman and referee made that up. Ask AJ, he had the ball in his hands when the mass of bodies crossed the Tiger's line.
Paphos Tigers 0 - 8 Dhekelia Lions

Because Dhekelia beat Ayia Nik by more than they beat us we proceeded to the semi-finals to face...Episkopi Eagles. A big match for both teams who are always keen to prove something in this encounter.

As the adrenaline took hold the Tigers took hold of the match. An early try created by a brilliantly chased, caught and driven kick-off by George Agathocleos hit Episkopi by surprise and the momentum was with the Tigers. The Eagles couldn't come back and some accurate kicking kept the Tigers in front at the final whistle.
Paphos Tigers 10 - 3 Episkopi Eagles (approx. from memory - correct me please)

So to the final. Dhekelia beta the Flamingos in the other semi so we were set to play them again. The effort of our semi played against us in the early exchanges of the first half with Dhekelia running in 2 quick tries. We rallied at half time and again the boys dug deep to send over Chris Thoma and Warren Dean for tries in the second half. Unfortunately this effort wasn't quite enough as Dhekelia put over another try to seal the game.
Paphos Tigers 12 - 21 Dhekelia Lions (approx. from memory - correct me please)

We hope you all enjoyed it as the boys did. Well done to new boys Lee, Nick and Ginger who all played their part  in Tigers shirts for the first time. Anyone who was on the bus home will remember the atmosphere and know that the Tigers march on!

Not in this photo but did play...Tony C, George, Gideon, Alexi

Thanks to those supporters who travelled to support the best rugby club ever!