I think the Tigers will still make the semis. The season start couldn't have been a fluke. But I don't think they'll make top 4.
Here's the NSWRL report. It's good to see them putting out reports like this. It makes me visit the website more. Of course, it would be good to read about the other games.
http://www.nswrl.com.au/index.cgi?det=1&intArticleID=164&sID=27
VB Premier League Report
Tuesday, 11th May 2004
The even nature of the VB Premier League shone through the bleak weather last weekend, with all three of the top sides on the competition table tasting defeat and four of the bottom five clubs picking up points.
The Frank Hyde Cup match between Newtown and North Sydney at Henson Park attracted 1,800 people and only the most ardent Bears' fan would have gone away disappointed after an entertaining afternoon both on and off the field.
The Bluebags were first to score through some good work down the right by Siose Helu to set up a try for Chan Ly, but former Jet Tarei McKenzie hit back for Norths to make it 4-4 midway through the first term. A Nelson Lomi flick pass set up a try for Helu, and another to powerful centre Ben Veau had col Murphy's charges in front 14-4 at the break.
When Norths dropped the restart and Newtown extended their lead through a try to David Hall the Jets looked set to streak clear but Ben Black swooped on a loose ball to run 50 metres and score to get them back in the match at 20-10. Wade L'Estrange, who had a superb game, set up a try for Alf Duncan to kick Newtown away and then a magnificent leap by Ben Cook laid on another for the former Manly utlity.
The Bears replied once more when Black initiated a try for Scott McLean with a delightful pass before Duncan posted his third for the afternoon with a great solo effort. Again Norths returned serve, Christian Hill crossing out wide before Hall's second try completed the scoring.
The highlight for many was the interview and half time rendition of "Danny Boy" performed by rugby league icon Frank Hyde, which was treated with reverent silence and sustained applause by an appreciative crowd.
Manly emphasised their ability to mix it with the top sides by lowering the colours of St George-Illawarra 22-20 in a thriller at Brookvale Oval. Nick Bradley led the way for Geoff Toovey's side with three tries but the boot of Darren Peachey was the deciding factor on an afternoon where kickers came into their own.
Newcastle lifted themselves off the foot of the competition ladder with a 34-22 win over the Bulldogs. Mal Graham's boys covered themselves in glory with a memorable performance that was spearheaded by two tries and five goals to rookie half Scott Briggs. The Knights will be hoping to build on this win for the remainder of the year while Kevin Moore will be hoping it was a mere blip on their map to the finals.
Other results saw South Sydney make it two wins in a row when they accounted for St Mary-Penrith Cougars 23-10. Canberra's renewed form was again on display in their 42-24 win over Western Suburbs while the Sydney Roosters 32-16 win over Balmain lifts them up the ladder and was built on two tries by Lelaea Paea and another to his brother Micky.
