Tigers march on to cup final
29th March 2008
by Ron James

Paphos Tigers  20  Akrotiri Flamingos 13

League runners up Paphos Tigers beat league winners Akrotiri Flamingos in the semi-final of the Joint Services Cup last Saturday in a closely contested game. A good crowd turned out Paphos to see an entertaining game between the two close rivals.

Flamingos started strongly with powerful scrummaging putting the home side under pressure and they took the lead 3-0 with a penalty from Andy Cullum. However, the Tigers line out with Lee Thomson in great form provided good ball to the backs who were beginning dominate territory.

A move along the Tigers’ back line and a run along the wing by the elusive Marcus Howden led to him scoring a great individual effort.

Tigers backs always looked dangerous but dogged defense by the Flamingos always kept these threats at bay. Eventually, a good forward drive from Tigers ended with a quick feed to fly half Des White who went over for an unconverted try.

Half time saw the Tigers in the lead 10-3 which was increased shortly after the turn around when George Agathocleous broke through a couple of tackles in the center to feed Howden who scored near the posts for a converted try.

Things looked to be done and dusted but Andy Cullum kept the Flamigos in touch with another penalty. The game then got really interesting when Flamingos scored again after a strong forward drive which was converted making the score 17-13. The home crowd was understandably tense as the Flamingos forwards were getting the upper hand and the Tigers defense was becoming increasingly fragile.

However, in the last four minutes the game was wrapped up for the Tigers by Tony Thoma kicking a penalty which sealed the game.

The game was played in excellent spirit and everyone adjourned to the “Keg & Barrel’ for light refreshment. Tigers play Episkopi Eagles in the cup final next Saturday. Watch this space!