The commemorative Group Three Rugby League game between the Tigers (founded 1893) and the Blues (founded 1891) marked the first time a league game had been played on the park in 45 years.

The teams had met in Wauchope just a fortnight earlier, with the Blues victorious by 32-16.

The Tigers were desperate for victory to reclaim third position on the competition table.

The visitors were first to score after 12 minutes when a chip kick on the last tackle found their winger unmarked to stroll across for a try.

With the conversion, Wauchope led 6-0.

Defence dominated the next section of the game as both teams tried to establish dominance.

Inside the final 10 minutes of the first stanza, Josh Watson looked to have scored for the Tigers when he dived on the ball in the in-goal area after an attempted strip.

This was ruled no try due to a knock on.

Minutes later, Luke Steel was brought down just inches from the line.

In the 39th minute, from a scrum win, Pete Smith ran through the defence to score adjacent to the goalposts at the fighter jet end of the ground.

Luke Steel’s conversion levelled the scores at 6-6 at the half time bell.

The Tigers went ahead early in the second half when Pete Smith crossed for his second try when he dived over from dummy half.

Luke Steel converted and the Tigers led for the first time in the match 12-6.

A bit of luck contributed to the next try shortly afterward.

Josh Watson put up a high kick from about 40 metres out.

It hit the goal post at the post office end of the ground and bounced back into the arms of Adam Dale, who dived over for the try.

With the kick, Wingham increased their advantage to 18-6.

Both teams had missed opportunities over the next quarter of an hour.

Luke Steel looked to have scored but it was called back due to a forward pass.

Matt Halliday was held up over the goal line.

Wauchope too were denied when a try was disallowed after a player was penalised for being in front of the kicker.

Inside the last 15 minutes, an inside ball to Doug Ferguson resulted in another try to the Tigers.

Luke Steel’s conversion made the score 24-6.

About five minutes from half time, Luke Steel barged his way over the goal line.

The referee ruled that he was held up, even though the video showed he clearly grounded the ball.

It didn’t matter, as a couple of minutes later, Josh Watson sliced through the defence to seal Wingham’s historic victory.

With the conversion by Luke Steel, the home team were victorious by 30-6.