Rugby League's version of the short sided game has grown in popularity over the past few years and on Saturday Brentwood Eels hosted the 4th annual East RL 9's tournament.

The Tigers travelled with a mixed squad of 15 players from last year's 1st and 2nd team squads as well as a couple of new recruits!

The festival format saw the Tigers play 6 pool games before facing Eastern Rhinos in the final.

Having lost to the unbeaten Rhinos earlier in the tournament the Tigers knew they would have to put in a solid performance in the final.

Tries from Ollie Fountain, Will Presland and Sam Richbell had the Tigers looking good before Jack Hill pounced on a loose ball to score the winning try and pick up the first piece of silverware of 2016!

"9's is extremely tough on the body and it was really pleasing to see how each player did their bit to work and help each other out! This team is growing stronger still from last year and we're really looking forward to getting started in the league now"

The Tigers travel to NH Crusaders on May 14th to start their East Premier Title defence!

9's Squad - Lee Walker (Cptn), Ollie Fountain, Paul Ryder, Jack Peachey, Will Norford, Sandro Parias, Ed Strand, Charlie Palmer, Lewis McCracken, Sam Richbell, Ben Peters, Jack Hill, Sean Tribbeck, Will Presland, Rob Ashton

Top Try Scorer - Ollie Fountain