In a gripping start to the Group 16 Rugby League season, the Cooma Stallions secured a hard-fought victory over their Snowy Mountains rivals, the Bombala Blue Heelers, with a final score of 13-6 at the Cooma Showgrounds on April 25, 2025. The match, held on the significant occasion of ANZAC Day, delivered excitement to a large crowd on a day filled with remembrance and special moments.
PHOTO: Ruck infringements were an issue in the match with neither side less guilty of the discipline.
The first half of the derby was an intense battle, with both teams showcasing strong defensive skills, resulting in a 0-0 scoreline at halftime. The second half saw Cooma open the scoring, but Bombala quickly matched their effort, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.
PHOTO: Stallions half back Luke Bracher digs deep into the defensive line.
A crucial moment came with an extended defensive effort by the Stallions during a repeat set on their defensive line, which turned the tide in their favour. Cooma capitalised on this momentum turn, scoring again and sealing their victory with a field goal.
James Cahill, Captain of the Cooma United Rugby League Football Club (CURLFC), praised the team’s resolve: “I think what got us over the line was a lot of heart, to be honest. We made a lot of errors but we ended up cancelling that out with our defensive effort. Bombala were great; both sides defended well.”
PHOTO: Stallions Captain, James Cahill.
Despite the evident early-season rustiness, with several players suffering from cramps due to the exertion and both teams committing a fair share of penalties and handling errors, the defensive displays from both sides were impressive.
CURLFC Coach Jason Kelly acknowledged the tough competition: “Round 1, I won’t say we did it easy, because that would be disrespecting our opposition.”
PHOTO: Coach Jason Kelly addresses the team after the match in the sheds.
“The Blue Heelers showed a lot of heart today… If you are upset with you’re team from Cooma or Bombala today, you are very hard to please.”
Todd Williams, CURLFC President, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the team’s commitment: “The grit, and defence of the boys today was unreal… it shows a lot of determination.”
From the Bombala camp, starting hooker Bailey Jones expressed both disappointment and pride: “It was a tough loss knowing how close we were to a big season opening win. It was surreal playing an ANZAC Day game… It definitely had a lot of meaning to a lot of people, and something not many country footy teams get an opportunity to play in.”
PHOTO: Bombala’s backline were slick at times making several line breaks.
Reflecting on the match’s significance and looking ahead, Jones added, “Heading into round 2, having a nine-day turnaround will be handy travelling to Narooma, so preparation should be second to none,
and the guys will do everything they can to get a much important win on the road next week.”
As the season unfolds, both teams will need to work ball handling, with Cooma enjoying a bye next week while Bombala prepares to face the Narooma Devils at Bill Smyth Oval, from 2:30pm on Sunday, May 4.