The Bombala High Heelers have fallen just short of a fifth premiership in 11 years with a 8-6 loss to Bega in the Group 16 league-tag grand final.

In one of the highest quality league-tag fixtures played in Group 16, both sides were excellent in defence.

The High Heelers scored their first and only try of the decider with six minutes left when Sam Stewart dived over under the posts. Stewart’s try and the successful conversion put Bombala within two points of Bega.

A thrilling final six minutes saw Bombala press hard for a match winning try. Spurred on by a large Bombala crowd, the High Heelers made a break through Maree Coates who was headed for the tryline only for the play to be brought back for an infringement.

The last play of the final saw the High Heelers put the ball to the sky close to the line. Bega defused the kick to claim the premiership.

The High Heelers had many contributors across the park with Coates and Karter Hampshire two of the side’s best.

A tight first half saw Bega post the only points through a penalty goal after seven minutes. Both sides attacked well but the level of tagging was first class.

Bombala’s right edge of Tanner Hurley and Lily Hampshire caused Bega’s defence some headaches with the duo linking up nicely. Bombala came close to scoring down the right edge on two occasions but a dropped ball and a pass not finding its mark resulted in turnovers.

Bega took a 2-0 lead into half time before adding to their tally with the first try of the premiership decider. Bega crossed with 19 minutes of the match remaining with a try down the left edge.

Bombala responded in typical fashion, lifting their intensity and going back on the attack.

A late hit on High heelers, Zara Badewitz, after she sent a kick downfield saw a Bega player sent to the sin-bin. The 8-0 lead proved too much to run down with Bombala closing the gap through the try to Stewart.

For the High Heelers, season 2025 saw the side finish minor premiers. A number of younger players showed their class this year, a promising sign for the years ahead.