The Nyngan Tigers put a premium on their line, prowling and scratching their way to a memorable 26-18 win over Macquarie on Sunday in the Group 11 League.

Former Raiders Josh Merritt, Corey Cox, and Ash Widders, clawed their way to a victory that many thought was impossible. 

After exchanging two tries a piece in the first half, the Tigers hit the lead before Macquarie hit back, capitalising on a surfeit of many unforced Nyngan errors. 

Late in the second half, five-eighth Mason Williams was taken from the field after a head-knock, but the visitors lifted and kept their line intact with a gutsy defensive effort. Josh Merritt’s try and one disallowed in the corner by winger McDougall, reassured Tigers’ fans their team was capable of adding points and a 78th minute effort from hooker Jak Jeffrey (his second) confirmed it.

Fittingly, Merritt's superb face-ball across the ruck sealed the win. The nuggety half was the difference with his astute kicking game, brilliant one-on-one defence in the second half and deft passing setting the Tigers alight.

Final score: Nyngan 26 d Macquarie 18