The position in the playoff was secured when the Tigers scored a strong win over Taree City at the Wingham Sporting Complex.

Taree were the 2007 Group Three Premiers, but sit at the bottom of the table in 2008 and had already secured the wooden spoon, but still it was expected that the rivalry between the clubs would produce a tough game of rugby league.

Within the first 10 minutes, a 40 metre run through traffic by half-back Pete Smith resulted in a try adjacent to the posts. Ben Welsh’s conversion gave the Tigers a 6-0 advantage.

Soon after, captain Andrew Gilbert forced his way over the try line. With the conversion by Ben Welsh, the home team led 12-0.

A try by veteran Brenden Summerfield, this time converted by Josh Watson, gave Wingham an 18 point lead by midway through the first half. A second try to Pete Smith, this time running from the scrum base, increased the lead to 22-0.

Some basic errors by the Tigers gave the visitors good field position. Before the break, the Bulls put on two tries to trail by 22-10 at half time.

An early try in the second half to Ben Welsh re-established Wingham’s dominance. He converted his own try to push the score to 28-10.

Ten minutes later, Pete Smith crossed for his third try. With Josh Watson’s conversion, the Tigers led by 24 points.

Another 10 minutes passed before Josh Watson added a four-pointer. He kicked the extra points for Wingham to lead 40-10.

Inside the last 10 minutes, Matt Halliday scored in the canteen corner. Ben Welsh converted from the touch line, and the Tigers were victorious by 46-10.

Wingham District 46 defeated Taree City 10 (Pete Smith 3, Andrew Gilbert, Brenden Summerfield, Josh Watson, Matt Halliday, Ben Welsh tries, Ben Welsh 4, Josh Watson 3 goals)