Both the first grade and reserves are holding down the top position and looking like strong candidates for the minor premierships. 

First grade captain-coach Ryan Apps puts it down to preparation and togetherness within the Roosters, saying training sessions had been excellent with a strong atmosphere around the Bega club. 

“You have to have that kind of camaraderie and everyone pushing each other,” Apps said after the Roosters knocked over Merimbula-Pambula on the weekend. 

“You’ve got to want to be there for your mates, and everyone is backing each other up.”

As the standalone ladies team, the Bega Chicks are holding third on the competition table, and downed the second place Tigerettes 24-10 last weekend. 

However, in the senior men’s – an immense value of depth is forming with Apps saying it was a huge boost he could call on both the 18s and reserves to fill out the ranks. 

Every player is working hard to earn their position and spot within the team, and overall fitness is showing through. 

That is what has allowed Apps to run his first grade side one sub short for most of the season. 

“Everyone is so fit, most of our line-up are 80 minute players,” he said. 

And the staying power of the Roosters has proved pivotal in a competition where many results have been decided on four points or less. 

That match-long resolve will give the Roosters quiet confidence when they host the Bombala Blue Heelers this Sunday in the tri-colours’ second-to-last outing in the regular season. 

“We’ve got the Heelers this weekend, one more round and then it’s finals time for us,” Apps said.

The Blue Heelers are bred tough and will be no pushover, holding third in first grade and leading the women’s competition outright. 

The Roosters are likely to stick to their structure, quick play-the-balls and working through the middle before opening up play on the fringes. 

Senior play will run at the Bega Recreation ground from noon on Sunday with first grade to kick off at 2.30pm. 

Tathra will have a Saturday home game at the Tathra Beach Country Club against the Narooma Devils in both reserves and league-tag. 

The Reserves have climbed the ladder to fourth place, but the Phoenix ladies outfit are still chasing a first win of the season. 

Meanwhile, the Candelo-Bemboka Panthers will travel up the mountain to face the Cooma Stallions in both reserve and league-tag play.

The Reserves will open the card at 12.30pm with the Pink Panthers to face off against the Cooma Fillies at 2pm.