Throughout the day the Bombala District RLFC did a fantastic job taking the opportunity to pay respects to the late Joanne Joseph, a well respected and loved community member of Bombala.

Black armbands were worn by all Bombala players and a minute silence held prior to the first grade game.

Many of the crowd participated by wearing Joanne’s favourite colour purple and the club was able to raise $500 by providing a cake stand and taking gold coin donations for the Mesothelioma Foundation.

The Bombala District RLFC would like to extend their thanks for the crowds participation and generosity.  

The Bombala High Heelers took the field against the Cooma Fillies determined not to disappoint the home crowd. From the kick-off the Heelers had the momentum on their side getting back to back sets attacking the Fillies line. To the Fillies credit they were able to hold the Heelers out and some uncharacteristic unforced errors kept the heelers from scoring.

However the girls finally found the completion set they were looking for with a classy set move between Patrice Clear, Keiarna Rodwell and Lucy Sellars saw Lucy score in close to the black dot. This would be the first of various tries scored by the dominating High Heelers outfit.

Annie McGrath showed brilliant kicking skills in her conversion attempts. Kayley Keavey was impressive not only showing dedication in defence to chase down tags but was able to streak away on various occasions to gain valuable metres for the Heelers.

Chloe Murphy was strong in defence and injected hard line running into the team to help the girls lift when required and captain Patrice Clear was instrumental in directing her troops and leading by example on many occasions.

The final score ended an impressive 46-6 in the High Heelers favour. Three points went to Kayley Keavey (sponsored by Dommos Shearing), two points went to Patrice Clear (sponsored by Clear Cut Electrical and Rural Services) and one point went to Chloe Murphy (sponsored by Final Touches), Players Players awarded from her peers went to captain Patrice Clear.

With numbers for reserve grade flourishing the strong Reggie side took the field against the Cooma boys with great anticipation. The injection of local talent Clay Clear and former Bombala lad Chris Halligan, as well as Mick Sullivan back from injury meant that this Bombala team would be at full strength with a great mix of experience, skill and young talent.

Alex Rosten showed his skill as an allrounder, reliable and hard working in defence and quick on his feet in attack.

Richard Stewart continued his consistent football proving to be a great asset to this Bombala Reserve grade team.

Clay Clear provided the strike power required out wider in the field proving he still has a lot to offer to his home football club.

The combination of Mick Sullivan and Clay Stewart was pretty to watch with Sullivan scoring some classy tries. Chris Halligan made some bustling runs, able to break away from the Cooma defence only to be denied a try just shy of the line.

Korie Elton showed similar skills running hard and taking a swag of players to eventually get him down. The Bombala team had an impressive win, holding the Cooma side to nil with the final score as 30-0. Three points went to Alex Rostyn, two points to Chris Halligan and one point to Clay Clear, players player awarded from his peers went to Richard Stewart.

The Blue Heelers first grade team took the field under the lights as the cooler air started to settle in against the Cooma Stallions. This game would be one of high anticipation as the two highland teams, containing various friendships and a strong competitive nature, would take the field to determine where they are sitting in comparison to each other. The contest would not be easy for either team. It was a nailbiter to the end but the home side would eventually prevail in a hard fought contest finishing up 24-22.

From the kick-off the Heelers looked on fire. The classy footwork of Andrew Anderson would see him score first points only minutes in, with Tuwame Turaganivalu showing impressive conversion skills all game, taking the score to 6-0. By the 12th minute Bombala had its own fair share of defensive sets as unforced errors crept their way into the Heelers game.

An impressive chip chase and regather from Tuwame would be unlucky not to add points to the Bombala score board.

But it would be off a defensive error that followed next by the Heelers that the Cooma team would capitalise, evening up the score 6-6.

Not to be deflated or outdone Bombala came back firing and the fancy footwork of Tyler Jones would set up for the dominating charge of Murray Jackson who would score for the Heelers just wide of the posts.

The next 20 minutes of football would to and fro between the teams with unforced errors again plaguing both teams and yet solid defensive efforts keeping them honest.

With one minute left on the clock before halftime an intercept would be taken from the lightening Cooma number 7, who could not be run down, the score would be all tied at halftime 12-12.

The discipline and intensity from the Bombala boys from the kick-off after half time was admirable.

Defending hard and completing sets, it would only take three minutes for Tyler Jones to duck and weave through the defence and put Bombala back in front, with successful conversion Bombala led 18-12.

Saimoni Buinimasi showed he is hard to handle with solid defence and barging runs gaining fantastic metres for the Heelers.  Andrew Anderson was able to get away some great kicks giving the Heelers great field possession. Malcolm Stone worked tirelessly in defence and was able to bust away from tackles in attack, offloading to a steaming Mitch Lynch who scored under the black dot for the Heelers.

By the 52nd minute it was 24-12 and it would seem the Bombala team would have the momentum. However the Cooma side was not ready to back down, their ability to carve through the Bombala defence later in the game had everyone on their feet. The crowd was noticeably vocal and the passion of country footy was ever evident at the Bombala showground.

Back to back sets in defence by Bombala would prove tough, Charlie Lomas and Saimoni would be instrumental.

In the 71st minute Cooma slipped through and take the score 24-16.

Another onslaught of attack from the Cooma side kept Bombala on the back foot and impeccable defence from Bailey Jones would see him hold up a Cooma player over the line to deny them further points.

However with Cooma on fire and running with great purpose they were able to penetrate the Bombala line taking the score to 22-24 with only six minutes to go.

The Heelers looked fatigued and it took every last effort and strength to keep the Cooma side from scoring again.

The crowd was on their feet and trying their best to give the home team the energy needed to wrap up the game.

It was Cooma who went very close to scoring just seconds from the bell but were denied due to a forward pass.

The Heelers were able to play out the clock and take the victory at 24-22.

Three points went to half back Andrew Anderson, 2 points went to Saimoni Buinimasi and one point went to Bailey Jones. Players Player and Player of the day went to Malcolm Stone (sponsored by Southern Stockyards and Fencing).

The Bombala District RLFC would like to thank their major sponsor the Bombala RSL Club for hosting presentations and putting on fantastic entertainment following the games on Saturday night.

Next weekend the three Bombala grades will be on the road again to take on The Narooma Devils and She-Devils at Narooma on Sunday, May 15.

As evident on Saturday, the support and cheer from the Bombala crowd was instrumental and therefore the club encourages everyone to get down to Narooma to help cheer on their local footy teams.