Tigers claim the Inaugural
Ryan-Pringle Shield

The Balmain Tigers won the Trevor Ryan-Neil Pringle Shield for 2004, when they defeated Newtown 38-22 in the VB Premier League match played at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday evening. The Ryan-Pringle Shield was inaugurated this year to honour these two outstanding Rugby League professionals who played with distinction for both clubs in the 1970?s and early 1980?s. The Sydney Airport Jets had led 16-10 at half-time, but Newtown?s lack of reserve depth was painfully obvious in the second half as the rampaging Tigers took full control of the match in front of their home crowd.

Newtown had very little possession in the second half, but still nearly regained the lead with about twenty minutes left to play. The Tigers quickly turned defence into attack, and added four more tries before full-time. The Jets have a huge injury list, and the team that played at Leichhardt Oval on Saturday bore little resemblance to the side that had beaten the Tigers convincingly at Henson Park six weeks ago. Sydney Airport Jets front-rower James Stosic was outstanding, with one NRL talent scout at the ground comparing his work rate to that of Queensland State of Origin stalwart Shane Webcke. Paul Skinner and Troy Barnes were two other Newtown forwards who never turned it up. In the backs, crafty halves Craig Field and David Hall did everything they could to keep the Jets in the game, and they received good support from winger Ben Cook.

The scheduled Jim Beam Cup away fixture against The Entrance was cancelled due to ground flooding, a remarkably rare occurrence during this drought-ridden 2004 season. Parkes had the bye up in Group Eleven, enabling the Spacemen some respite to hopefully allow a few of their own crop of injured players to recover.

The Sydney Airport Jets return to Henson Park this coming Saturday (July 24), when they take on Manly-Warringah, with this VB Premier League match kicking off at 3.00pm. Newtown has a bye in the Jim Beam Cup competition this weekend.