The Blue Heelers also took out three major awards at the Group 16 presentation night in Cooma on Friday, with representatives of all teams as well as group sponsors in attendance

Bombala first grade captain/coach Joe Bobbin received the Coach of the Year Award while the High Heelers captain Patrice Clear received the Best and Fairest Player for the year in the ladies league-tag.

Bobbin said he’d been quite surprised to win considering he received the same award last year.

“I have to put it down to all the hard work that the team has done over the last three years, coming from the bottom of the ladder to the top.

“And I’d also like to thank all the people in the club that have got behind us each year and with their help have pushed us to where we are now,” he said.

Clear said winning Best and Fairest at the awards night was very humbling.

“I don’t really see the award as an individual award rather one that is a reflection of the whole team and the huge effort they have contributed throughout the year,” she said.

Another big win on the night went to Luke Ingram who was awarded Group 16 Under 23s Representative Player of the Year.

Bombala also had numerous players placing in the top five in other categories.

Tash Stewart came fourth and Clear was second in the ladies top try scorer awards while Alex Rosten got fourth place and Tyler Jones second place in the men’s.

Highest point scorers included Clear in fourth and Keiarna Rodwell came third in the women’s, while Wame Belolevu placed second for the first grade men.

Bombala Blue Heelers Rugby League Football Club president Col Ryan said that he thought it was perfect recognition for players that try their hearts out to be the very best they can.

“It’s a wonderful club and the awards couldn’t have gone to better people.”