In the last elimination final of the year, the Bega Chicks suffered a crushing two-point loss in the final minute of play to the Eden Tigerettes at Mackay Park in Batemans Bay on Sunday. 

“We were pretty unlucky to miss the grand final as we were up with a minute to go when they scored a try and got up by two points,” spokeswoman Ali Ringland said. 

She and her dad Ray Ringland have been a driving force behind the Chicks this year and said it was a strong season after a slow start. 

“Our team improved immensely from the beginning of the season and we made it a lot further than we expected, so we are really proud of all the girls, even with the result from the weekend,” she said. 

Both Ray and Ali were eager to thank all the girls who played, but also acknowledged the work of volunteers, trainers and water runners. 

The girls also thanked photographer Peter Sheales for his great shots and dedication to the club. 

Both the Bega Chicks and the Tathra Phoenix ladies are now showing interest in a proposed nine-a-side full contact series to go ahead following the regular season. 

Ms Ringland said there was already some interest shown 

Meanwhile, Tathra Sea Eagles president Peter Finucane said the reserve grade squad was holding a 24-22 lead into the final minutes before Cooma pulled ahead. 

Mr Finucane said the team were robbed of about a minute-thirty of play when the clock should have been stopped due to injury. 

“We don’t want to be sour grapes about it, but we did have a time dispute.”

The team took ragathered a short kick and were pushing the Cooma line when the siren blew, sending the Stallions through to the grand final 28-24.

Despite the result, Mr Finucane said it was a fantastic season for the returning club. 

“We had a good year and I’m very proud of the lads, they can hold their heads high and they didn’t go down without a good fight.”

He commended Cooma’s experience and congratulated the team on their win. 

“They’ve got some big blokes and I think it boiled down to a bit more experience, they just keep coming at you,” he said. 

However, Mr Finucane said there were plenty of positives to take away from the team who “were right there at the end” and knocking on the door of a grand final in their return season. 

“We’re proud of the way our guys stood up and had a go.”

Mr Finucane said any girls looking to give full contact a go were welcome to join and to keep an eye on the Tathra Sea Eagles Facebook Page. 

-