In a thrilling afternoon of Group 16 round 4 action in Narooma yesterday, the Cooma United Rugby League Football Club (CURLFC) took on the Narooma Devils in a heartbreaking first grade encounter, while the reserve grade side met the Bega Roosters in a close contest. The Fillies continued on their run of good form emerging victorious after a very tight tussle with the Narooma She Devils.
PHOTO: Co Captain James Cahill leads the Stallions out on a wet day in Narooma CREDITS: Trish Sullivan Photography
The first grade match began with intense energy from both sides, resulting in yet another rare scoreless first half this season, the first coming against Bombala in round 1. Liam Rankin, half-back in round 4 for the Stallions, reflected on the game’s dynamic: “We both got stuck in a grind for the whole first half leaving us at 0 all at half time. They came out of the sheds flying in the second half, putting two quick tries on us.”
Rankin noted the challenges brought on by wet conditions and highlighted the team’s need to capitalise on scoring opportunities saying, “If we fix up our ball handling and finish the game out, we will put a few sides away.”
“I thought James Cahill was the best on ground and fullback Keegan Caldwell was not far behind him,” Rankin shared.
PHOTO: Playmaker Liam Rankin checking options before feeding the scrum.
Co captain, James Cahill, echoed the team’s challenges with completing sets, a factor he believes contributed to the narrow loss. “Definitely completing sets, although it was better this week, it’s certainly not good enough and we know we can be better than that,” Cahill explained.
He praised his teammates’ performances, highlighting Jake Clare’s impressive return to first grade and Keegan Caldwell’s tidy performance at fullback under challenging conditions. “Noah Saddler and Liam Rankin both had strong games. We will take plenty of positives out of the match, despite it being lost in the dying minutes,” Cahill said.
PHOTO: Powerful back-rower and co captain Noah Saddler takes another strong hit up in a good showing from one of the Stallions key signings.
In the Women’s League Tag, the Cooma Fillies secured a gritty victory against the She Devils, winning 22-18. Despite trailing 10-8 at half-time, the Fillies showcased their determination with a stellar second-half performance.
PHOTO: Number 9 and part of the Fillies spine – Ash Steinke eyes up directing play.
The Reserve Grade Stallions side suffered a 20-8 defeat against the Bega Roosters. After a good start to the year, the side will look to bounce back.
Looking ahead, CURLFC will host Tathra Rugby League Football Club next week at the Cooma Showgrounds, with gates opening mid-morning, Saturday May 24 for the earlier games. First Grade action is set to kick off at 2:30pm and with good support from the Cooma crowd, the Stallions will look to lift and return to the winners circle against the Sea Eagles in round 5.