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Balmain opened their 2008 season down at a sun-soaked Birchgrove on Saturday. In a good day for the club, the Tigers claimed the reserves/firsts double over state league debutants Penang FC.

Reserve grade set the tone for the afternoon with a hard-fought victory. A 1-0 half-time lead was consolidated upon in the second half, the match ending 5-0 at full-time (and not 4-0 as I previously had written).

The entire team can be pleased with the result, but for warrior fullback Dave Tucker it was a day to remember. Tucker opened the scoring with a header in the first-half, followed it up with another header at the start of the second-half, and was given the opportunity for his hat-trick from the spot. He made no mistake to create a unique piece of Balmain sporting history. Do any Tigers fans remember when a fullback last scored a hat-trick, if indeed any actually ever have?

First grade also got the result they were looking for, outclassing Mount Penang. In their first ever state league match, the Central Coast side couldn't match the intensity or skill of the Tigers. A 2-0 lead at half-time was consolidated by a barrage of goals in the second half with Johnny, Liam, Lozza and Jem all finding the target.

The final score could have been anything as many a chance went begging, and the defensive blemish took some gloss off the result - the Tigers will be looking for improvement in both areas. Still, three points is what coach Kaltenegger ordered, and the result sets Balmain up nicely for next week's clash with Luddenham.

Many thanks to the Penang boys who came down to the Monkey Bar after the game. It was a pleasure having you down to our new sponsor hotel - come back again soon! We wish you all the best in your first season and look forward to a long and prosperous, as well as friendly, rivalry into the future.