HISTORY made in Group 16 rugby league, a milestone win for Cooma Red Devils women’s side and a return to form for the Jindabyne Bushpigs have crowned arguably one of the busiest weekends in local sport.

In a first for local rugby league, matches were held ANZAC Day with all grades in action as the Cooma Stallions and Bombala Blue Heelers faced off in round one.

Hundreds turned out at the Cooma Showgrounds for the special occasion, which saw The Last Post played, a minute’s silence for the passing of Queanbeyan rugby league icon, Ian Baker, and the presentation of Stallions’ first grade jerseys to players making their club debuts.

The jerseys were presented by Cooma rugby league legends - Sam Williams, Jack Williams, Ian Freeman, Stuart Flanagan and Leigh Hennessy.

Stallions president, Todd Williams, said it was a special moment for both clubs to play on ANZAC Day.

“We are really pleased with how it all went. Initially we were hesitant to play on such a sacred day, but we incorporated a ANZAC day commemoration and had a such a great crowd,” Williams said.

“It was special to share this with Bombala who embraced the idea.”

On the field, the Bombala High Heelers showed why they are regarded as Group 16’s best side. The High Heelers were too strong for the Cooma Fillies, winning 56-0.

In reserve grade, the Stallions squared the ledger, accounting for Bombala 42-6. The Stallions offered plenty in attack with fullback Brock Halls a constant threat, as too five-eight, Thomas King, and hooker, Lee Morgan.

The first grade clash was a low-scoring, tough encounter. Both sides dropped the ball regularly and gave away frequent penalities. The scrappy affair saw Cooma prevail 13-6.

In local rugby union, the Jindabyne Bushpigs bounced back to form with a 105-5 win over Taralga. Arriving with only 10-players, Taralga faced a harder than usual challenge to beat the Bushpigs on their home turf.

The wins kept coming for the Cooma Red Devils with victories for its women’s and men’s teams. The Red Devils women’s side won its first ‘official’ match this season following a trial win over Jindabyne and forfeit in round one to the Australia Defence Force Academy.

The Red Devils women’s side defeated Yass 29-10.

A penalty goal to Red Devils men’s captain, Damien Roach, sealed a 27-25 win over Yass. In a game riddled by penalties, the Red Devils held firm to score a late try and then the penalty goal to seal a tight win.