The Group 16 Rugby League Narooma Devils played their last games for 2017 in both First Grade and Ladies League Tag at Bombala last Sunday leaving the Under 18s as the clubs representatives in the semi-finals.
Up against a big and talented Bombala Blue Heelers team, the Devils were always in for a tough day but they showed their usual tenacity and determination to make the Blue Heelers fight for every point. Bombala got away to an 18-0 lead but just before half time big centre Tim Crome scored and converted from the sideline to make it 18-6 to Bombala at the break.
With Bombala running with the breeze in the second half point began to be leaked but tries to Tim again (his 17th for the year), centre Rhys Pearcey and Yuin Campbell led to a final score of 50-22 to Bombala. Best for the Devils were Todd Ayers, Ninnum Parsons, Jordan Martin and Rhys Pearcey, but all players put in a good effort
The boys can be proud of their year, having reduced numbers to work with and many injuries to key players. After the game Coach Clint Wright thanked all the players for their efforts and hard work for the season, as well as support staff Scrymo, Will, Jaimie, Mark, Laura and Craig. He also singled out the youngsters such as Jordan, Matt, Durramah, Joey, Gus and Jackson who played way above their years and will be the future of the club.
The League Tag girls came up against the strong and quick Bombala High Heelers team. Coach Damien Rotumah called for a big effort for the last game and the girls responded with good numbers at the match. The She-Devils kept them scores for the first quarter of the game but eventually the Bombala girls got away from them to win 36-0. The girls have had a good year and along with coach Damien, are looking forward to next year.
Best on the day were Jaydean Lonsdale, Taliya Smith and Janaija Parsons, with Jaydean getting the Players Player award and Shelby Johnson the Coaches Award.
Good luck to our Under 18s who came third on the ladder and have two bites of the cherry in the finals. They take on second placed Batemans Bay, at 11.15am at Bombala next Sunday. Coaches Mark Lonsdale and Kerry Day have worked hard with the boys this year and there is an abundance of talent amongst them. The boys have a big chance of beating this teams if they can all get to training this week and show up in numbers on Sunday.
