The match coincided with the annual “Glyn Deacon Memorial Shield”, a trophy played for by both clubs annually.

With nothing separating both sides at the final whistle, Bega retained the shield.

Bega dominated proceedings from the opening kick-off to have the Sea Eagles pinned inside their own half for the opening 15 minutes.

Poor completions and hearty Tathra defence kept the Roosters scoreless until Scott Ingram finally crossed at the 25 minute mark. Bega hooker and captain/coach Grant Jessop converted to give his a side a 6-0 lead.

Ingram’s try was the only high point of the half for Bega, as Tathra kicked into gear to produce one the best 20 minutes of football this season.

Tries to Tathra’s Justin Stanford, Brody Cochrane and Andrew Aldridge, resulted in the home side going into the half-time break boasting a 16-4 lead after two missed conversions.

Tathra supporters had more to cheer about early in the second half when Dillon Aldridge scored to extend the Sea Eagles lead to 20-6.

It appeared the deficit was too great to pull back for the Roosters, but a never say die attitude resulted in a Bega comeback.

Tries to Todd Ingram and Shawn Bell bridged the gap to 20-16 with only five minutes left to play.

Bega again worked its way deep into Tathra’s half and after Roosters winger Lee Fuller touched down from a bomb, the scores were locked at 20-all with kick to come. 

Jessop’s conversion attempt was waved wide and with only a few minutes left thoughts then turned to field goals. 

Both sides had one chance each of stealing the win, but both field goal attempts were waved wide.

Tathra coach Scott Barton said despite allowing Bega back into the match after leading 20-6, he was happy with the way his side played.

“It was a really good contest. We should have put them away, but that’s rugby league,” he said.

“It was a game where each team played well at different stages. They started well, and then we got on top before they came home in the second half.

“Both teams were proud of each other in the way they played the game. It was a good tough game.

“They beat us 50-nil earlier in the season, so Sunday’s effort showed how much we’ve improved since then.”

The Eagles were best served by Clay Childs and Scott Orr, captain/coach Barton, while Rhys Cunningham and Josh Finucane also stood out.

The Sea Eagles won the battle of the interchange with their rotation off the bench. Their forward pack did enough to hold the Roosters at bay.

For the Roosters, Dayne Burton came into his own in the second half and received great support from Mitch Carter and Wayne Northey.

Scott Fuller again gave his usual strong performance and Lee Fuller was the pick of the backs in a strong running display. 

The draw sees the Roosters slip back to third on the competition table on percentages.

The Moruya Sharks are now four points clear at the top of the ladder and Cooma Stallions, courtesy of a forfeit from the Cobargo Eels, now hold down second position. 

The Eagles, with a game in hand, are one point behind the Eden Tigers in a great battle for final four honours. 

“We’ve got a game this week against Narooma, and if we win we’ll go in front of Eden and into the top four.

“We’ll keep taking each week as it comes and keep playing good football, and hopefully we’ll be there come semi-final time.”

Tathra 20 (J Stanford, B Cochrane, A Aldridge, D Aldridge tries. J Finucane two goals) drew with Bega 20 (S Ingram, T Ingram, S Bell, L Fuller tries. G Jessop two goals).