“Tigers, Tigers, Tigers” rang out across the west

THERE may not have been too many people at home in Nyngan on Sunday when the Tigers’ Under 18s claimed the club's first RSL Memorial Club Premiership.

In an enthralling contest, Nyngan overcame the team that has the most number of titles engraved on the trophy with a display of never-say-die attitude.

CYMS dominated the first half to lead 13-0. A smartly taken field goal by Player of the Year Latrelle Fing ensuring the greens went to the sheds with a seemingly match-winning lead.

The Fishies were surprised by the ferocity of the Tigers’ second half reply. Two tries wide out had them within reach but the local boys hit back and led by 21-12 and then 21-16 before a fifteen year-old rising star imposed himself on the match.

Cooper Black had crossed for three tries on Saturday afternoon as Nyngan upset St Johns in the DJRL finals but no one was prepared for the impact the utility player would have on the final of the 18s.

Playing outside older brother Will and experienced lock and captain Aidan Bermingham, Cooper crossed for two tries in the final minutes. The second one was 90 seconds from time and had Nyngan needing to convert from out wide to take the lead for the first time.

“Cometh the moment, cometh the man” and just as club legend Matt Sheather had done to win the Reserve Grade Grand Final in 2014, Cooper Black stepped up, converted his own try and put a finger to his lips to silence the crowd.

Now, the smallest town in the Western Rams division plays arguably the club with the largest talent pool in Bathurst Panthers.

The winner will hold up the Tom Nelson Shield, the symbol of supremacy named in honour of a man regarded as the King of Country Under 18s rugby league. Tom passed away late last year but his legacy is seen in the number of Country Championship, Group 11 and Western Division titles and an untold number of Country, NSWRL and NRL players he has guided.