The Bombala Blue Heelers have come agonisingly close to winning the Group 16 reserve grade premiership, falling short in a golden point thriller, 16-12.

The Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs broke the deadlock three minutes into golden point when a loose Bombala pass was picked up by the Bulldogs winger who raced 20 metres to score the premiership winning try. Bombala players and fans appealed for a knock-on but the try was awarded.

Bombala’s dream finals run saw the side win through to the grand final from fifth spot, knocking-off the Cooma Stallions, Eden Tigers and Bega Roosters.

The side dominated much of the premiership encounter against the Bulldogs at the Pambula Sporting Complex.

A penalty goal to Baidon Sten with five minutes left in regular time locked the match up at 12-all. Two five minute periods of extra time couldn’t find a winner, sending the match into golden point.

Both sides had chances to take the lead in extra time, with Bombala making two long breaks down the right edge.

Standout performances from Blue Heelers fullback, Inia Tahere, captain and five-eight, Andrew Anderson, and prop, Robbie Rodgers, almost delivered the side its second premiership in five years.

Tahere was dominant. He regularly busted tackles and broke the line. Tahere was unlucky not have been awarded the player of the match for his efforts, the honour going to Bulldogs prop Jye Welk.

Anderson guided his side around the park admirably. He ran hard and looked dangerous each time he took the ball to the line.

A tough opening 25 minutes of the grand final saw both sides come close to cracking each other’s line. Rodgers and Tahere were both stopped just short.

The first points went Bombala’s way with a penalty goal before a disallowed try for a forward pass. The Blue Heelers slotted their second penalty goal just shy of half time to head into the break with a 4-0 lead.

With 25 minutes of the grand final left, the Bulldogs crossed for their first points and the first try of the match for a 6-4 scoreline.

The Blue Heelers defence lifted with a number of bruising tackles. The defence forced an error and had Bombala on the attack.

A nice pass from hooker, Luke Jamieson, found a charging Rodgers close to the line. Rodgers dragged five defenders with him across the tryline to score Bombala’s first try.

The Blue Heelers regained the lead 10-6.

The Bulldogs responded with a try to hit the front 12-10 with 10 minutes left. With five minutes left, Bombala received a penalty 20 metres out and 10 metres in from touch. Baidon Sten calmly slotted the kick to level the final up at 12-12. The score stayed this way until the Bulldogs’ golden point try.

Across the park, the Blue Heelers had many excellent contributors. Mal Stone, Sten and Brett Hodak were strong up front all game.