Dropped catches proved to be the defending champions’ worst enemy and Bodalla’s Stuart Piper in particular made them pay.

Piper watched on as the Tigers put down three of his aerial shots before going on to make an otherwise impressive half-century.

Dan Smith was the pick of the home side’s bowling attack with final figures of 3/23 as Bodalla stumbled its way to a moderate total of 120 on the turf wicket.

In response, Tigers Black got off to a poor start but skipper Gavin Smart steadied the ship somewhat in an attempt to turn the match around.

That didn’t last long, though, as Dylan Moran bowled Smart on 26 to leave the home side in serious trouble.

Moran went on to produce game-best figures of 4/26 as Bodalla continued its surprising charge to the top of the Eurobodalla Cricket table.

“We were just embarrassed with our efforts,” Tigers opening batsman Gavin Ladmore said.

“Our fielding was no good, you can’t drop four catches and then expect to go on and win the game.

“Not only that, but we need to produce more runs – it’s pretty simple.”

Despite his frustrations, Ladmore was quick to thank Tony Hadlow and John Condon, who kindly donated time and equipment last week in order to get the Hanging Rock turf pitch match-ready.

“At the start of the year we had nothing and now with a bit of help from guys like Tony and John we have the gear to produce a good quality cricket pitch,” Ladmore said.

Condon last week tracked down a 1.5-tonne roller that Canberra grade side Western Districts was happy to donate to the Bay Tigers’ cause.