The first grade Bombala Blue Heelers faced up against Bega on Sunday and although the day started well, by the time the senior lads were on the field the rain had started pelting down.
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However this didn’t deter the Heelers and just four minutes in, Zac Slater found points, going over to put the Blue Heelers in for an early lead.
Just eight minutes later, Adam Rodwell capitalised on Bega’s slippery hands and went over the line to score a second try for the Heelers.
Wame Belolevu’s conversion attempt was blown back at him by the wild wind and the score remained 8-0.
According to a Bombala spokesperson, the Heelers had various opportunities with the percentage of ball and field possession in their favour, but it took a while before the ball was eventually spread wide and with great support, Murray Jackson scored out wide taking the score to 12-0.
Bega was quick to hit back through their hooker, Ricky Stapleton leaving the Heelers leading by a converted try 12 to 6 at half time.
At the beginning of the second half, the sun started shining, but it wasn’t for Bombala as Bega ploughed through the Bombala defence line to score in front, converting and the score was locked at 12 all.
A few sets later the Heelers gained good field possession and Paul Perkins took a dart from dummy half and muscled his way over the line to score near the sticks – 18 to 12.
Lapses in the Heelers defence allowed Bega centre Declan Bower-Scott to run two more tries taking Bega into the lead 24 to 18 with only 15 minutes left on the clock.
The Heelers rallied and forceful runs from Luke Ingram, Adam Rodwell and Sami Buinimasi gained them good field possession allowing Brett Hodak to eventually force his way over the line to gain points for the Heelers.
The Heelers had various opportunities with the percentage of ball and field possession in their favour
- Blue Heeler spokesperson
As the conversion was waved away the Heelers remained behind on the scoreboard 22-24 with 12 minutes left in the game.
A combination of Nick Ryan and Tyler Jones at halves proved to be a good asset to the direction of the team and Bailey Jones eventually got the ball and the space to move which saw him scoring the final points of the day to take the Heelers to a close-call victory of 28 to 24.
Players Player and three points went to hard hitting Luke Ingram, two points went to Murray Jackson and one point was shared between the two halves Nick Ryan and Tyler Jones and also to Adam Rodwell.