Last Sunday the Group 16 Narooma Devils took on the Bombala Blue Heelers in one of the most brilliant games of Rugby League seen at Smyth Oval in many years.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A late Bombala try brought the Devils undone after they had taken the lead 34-32 with only a few minutes to go, but a penalty and a couple of missed tackles enabled the Blue Heelers to snatch victory 36-34 from the gallant Devils in the last two minutes.
An early try to Bombala was answered with great tries from Ali Elmasri and Ninnum Parsons, each converted by halfback Ryan Norris for the Devils to lead 12-6 after 10 minutes.
A loose pass saw Bombala notch a 90m intercept try which was followed rapidly by two more tries to see the Blue Heelers leap ahead 22-12 near halftime.
A first ever first-grade try to youngster Durramah Parsons made it closer before the break with a scorching winger’s try, converted from the sideline by Ryan to make it 22-18.
After the break Bombala seemed to take control of the game scoring three tries to seemingly have the game under control 32-18.
The Devils had lost two major weapons in Todd Wright and Todd Ayers to injury but the team refused to be beaten and fought back with spectacular tries to Kane Ayers, and another one each to Durramah and Ninnum for the Devils to hit the front 34-32.
With just a few minutes to go the Blue Heelers smashed the fairy tale finish by scoring in the corner to take the win.
Full credit to Bombala for their win as they are a talented team but they really knew they were in a major battle on the day against a Narooma team that showed immense courage and determination.
Best for the Devils were Ninnum, Jordan Martin, fullback Koorin Campbell, the ageless Merv Naylor and strong centre Tim Crome. Durramah won the coaches award and Ali Elmasri was the Players Player.
The Ladies League Tag team had an unsettled start with several players arriving very late after it looked like they would be short of players.
The Bombala High Heelers are a very talented team and took control in the first half leading 16-0 at the break. In the second half the girls settled down to the job and played very well, pushing Bombala all the way. The second half was a 4-4 draw which shows the improvement the team made.
Best for the She-Devils were Nerida Ladmore, Shelby Johnson and Jaydean Lonsdale with Kira Campbell winning the coaches award and Kate Rotumah the Players’ Player.
The Devils would like to thank the legendary Geoff Lecher for acting as strapper on Sunday as we had several workers away on the day.
Next week the Devils take the long trip to Cooma to take on the top of the table Stallions in Tag Under 18s and Firsts. It should be an epic game with the Devils injuries an important factor this week