The Narooma Devils finals chances are over after a 28-10 loss to the Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs at Bill Smyth Oval.
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The Devils started the match at a crawl, giving up the first try of the match in the fifth minute to Jake Mikula.
The first half turned into arm wrestle from that point, as both teams defended well. The Devils cracked again though, as Brock Seabrook scored a fairly soft try from the back of a scrum.
The visitors were in again not long after through Reuben Smahel. The prop forward took advantage of some defensive confusion to stroll in under the posts.
Gene Willis made sure Narooma had something to cheer about at half time, keeping the Devils withing touching distance at 18-6.
The Devils couldnt work their way back into the game in the second half, as a series of errors kept them from gaining any momentum.
Merimbula-Pambula scored two more tries through Mikula and Blake Schafer, before a late fightback from Narooma.
Neil Graham looked to have scored a try next to the posts, but a potentially serious ankle injury during the act caused him to drop the ball.
The Devils did get a consolation try on the final siren, as some slick hands to the right wing saw Willis in for his second try of the day.
Ninnum Parsons couldnt convert the late try, leaving the final score at 28-10.
Devils captain Todd Ayers said hed have no problems motivating the team for next weekends game against Batemans Bay.
Theyll turn up, they just love footy, he said. Theyll get out to training, and well head up there to finish the season strong.
Ayers said his side had struggled with their handling this season, but the signs are pointing up for the near future.
We made too many mistakes this season, and probably needed a bit more effort in some of the games, but it is what it is, he said.
The future is looking really good though.
Bulldogs captain Corey Schafer said winning in Narooma is always a tough ask.
The trips north and traveling up the mountain is always hard going, but well definitely take the two points today, he said.
We havent lost one to any of the Eurobodalla teams, so were feeling good for the finals.
Schafer is looking forward to one of the tightest finals series in the recent past.
Its anyones game, youve just got to turn up on the day, he said. Cooma beat Bombala this weekend, so really anything can happen.