Paphos Tigers defeat Stags
1st March 2008
by Barrie Hattam

Ayia Nik Stags 0  Paphos Tigers 39

36 seconds into the game Tigers had the opportunity to put points on the board but the penalty kick drifted wide of the posts. 2 minutes in and Tigers lost lock Lee Thompson who was replaced by Vladimir Mihaylov. Tigers kept pressing and probing and were rewarded following a scrum. Quick ball was fed through the hands and good off loading saw Tony Crassas cross for the try. The conversion was unsuccessful.

The game was hard fought with both sides making breaks to be foiled only by poor handling or off side at the rucks. Tigers second try came from Vlad stealing ball at a lineout which was quickly moved to Des White who broke through passing to Chris Thoma to score a converted try. Stags 0 Tigers 12.

This score remained till half time. Shortly after the break Tigers scored again. AJ Pugh broke down the left passed inside to Gary Thompson who lunged for the line, was held up but laid the ball back to Tony Thoma who scored. The conversion was missed. Stags 0 Tigers 17.

Tigers next score came from a try making break by Dimitri who split the Stags defence and passed to Chris Thoma to score.

Slowly Tigers gained the upper hand and when a good handling move was illegally stopped Marcus Holden kicked the penalty. Stags 0 Tigers 25.

Shortly after this Stags came back strongly with some good breaks stopped by good defence from Tigers. Stags then lost Paul Shanks for 10 minutes and Tigers took advantage of the extra man to run in two more tries one for Tony Crassas and one for Marcus both were converted to give final score of Stags 0 Tigers 39.

Thanks to all who made the huge effort to travel to the other end of the island to show your support.