Early tries from Mark Jones and Mukeshli Jones didn’t give the Tigers crowd much expectation of what was to follow.  Torfaen’s first try was a combination of fast pace from Luke Bigham and Gareth Marks to allow David West to cross the line, converted by Scott Bessant.

A twenty minute burst of play by the Tigers produced tries from Gareth Marks and Dale Nash, Marks’ try splitting the defence combining with backs to score.

Cougars responded with goal-line pressure but hard tackling resulted in a turn over. Two quick plays of the ball allowed David Davies a forty yard run, combining with Dale Nash to allow Nolan Nicklin to score and convert from the touchline to make the half time score of 26–12 to the Tigers.

Four outstanding tries by debutante Jesse Farthing typified the outstanding play between backs and forwards.  The highlight being a charging direct run by forward Rob Taylor busting the line with a succession of quick hands along the backs for Farthing to cross the line, which was then converted by Gareth-John Jenkins.

Man of the Match was experienced player Nolan Nicklin who crossed the line twice in the second half sealing his hat-trick.

The try of the match epitomising the Tigers confidence and good display of team work saw Neil Lewis produce a forty yard run bumping off defenders to allow Robert Nash, whose good support running produced a twenty five yard unopposed try.

Article by Ian Golden
11 June 2005